How to Grow Dubautia
iNaturalist
Dubautia
Dubautia spp.
shrubDubautia is a genus of endemic Hawaiian flowering shrubs known for their daisy-like flowers and remarkable diversity across Hawaiian ecosystems. These plants range from low-growing groundcovers to tall shrubs, displaying yellow, white, or purple flowers depending on species. They are highly adapted to Hawaiian volcanic and mesic environments.
When should you plant Dubautia in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Dubautia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dubautia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Dubautia
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dubautia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11, best in warm Mediterranean or tropical climates
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Get my Dubautia timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
2-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons; very delicate growth
Keep soil lightly moist, provide bright light, ensure excellent drainage to prevent damping off
Seedling
4-8 weeksFirst true leaves develop; slow initial growth is typical
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, provide bright indirect light, begin very dilute feeding if desired
Vegetative
3-8 monthsPlant develops multiple branches and foliage; stem thickens
Reduce watering as drought tolerance increases, minimal fertilizer needed, pinch tips to encourage bushiness if desired
Flowering
4-12 weeks, often recurringDaisy-like flower heads appear in terminal clusters; flowers yellow, white, or purple depending on species
Maintain moderate watering, deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, reduce nitrogen fertilizer
Maturity
Ongoing for yearsPlant reaches full size and flowers regularly; becomes more drought tolerant
Water only during drought, minimal maintenance needed, pruning to shape is optional
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity slightly, spray with water, use horticultural oil if severe
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Monitor undersides of leaves, use yellow sticky traps, apply neem oil if needed
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Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, improve air circulation around base
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Hand-remove if few, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap for infestations
Uses
Hawaiian Native Habitat Support
WildlifeDubautia species provide native habitat and food for Hawaiian honeycreepers, insects, and other endemic fauna. These plants are essential for supporting remaining populations of Hawaii's unique wildlife. [source]
Traditional Hawaiian Use
CulinarySome Dubautia species were used historically in traditional Hawaiian practices and ceremonies. The plants hold cultural significance in Hawaiian botanical heritage. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
CraftThe daisy-like flowers add texture and color to fresh arrangements, particularly in tropical and contemporary floral designs. Blooms last reasonably well when cut. [source]
Low-Maintenance Ornamental Landscape
HouseholdDubautia is excellent for dry gardens, xeriscaping, and Hawaiian native plant landscapes requiring minimal water and care once established. Suitable for coastal gardens and volcanic landscapes. [source]
Traditional Hawaiian Medicine
MedicinalCertain Dubautia species have been used in traditional Hawaiian lomilomi and healing practices, though scientific documentation is limited. Important in Hawaiian ethnomedicinal traditions. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flowers when fully open for arrangements. Collect seeds in late summer to fall when seed heads dry; seeds are small and should be stored in cool, dry conditions. Prune stems anytime during growing season for shape.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dubautia is endemic to Hawaii with over 20 species found nowhere else in the world, representing remarkable adaptive radiation across diverse Hawaiian habitats from dry lava fields to mesic forests.
- 🌱 Some Dubautia species have evolved dramatically different forms on different islands—a single species' coastal form may look completely different from its high-elevation counterpart, demonstrating extreme phenotypic plasticity.
- 🌱 Dubautia is part of the silversword alliance, a fascinating group of Hawaiian plants that evolved from a single tarweed ancestor from California, making them a textbook example of adaptive radiation in the Hawaiian Islands.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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