How to Grow Dubautia reticulata

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Dubautia reticulata

shrub

Dubautia reticulata is a rare endemic Hawaiian shrub belonging to the sunflower family, found only on the islands of Maui and Hawaii. It is characterized by its small, delicate yellow flowers and fine, net-like (reticulated) foliage patterns that give the species its name. This critically endangered plant is of significant conservation interest and is rarely cultivated outside botanical gardens and restoration programs.

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Example Dubautia reticulata timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Dubautia reticulata
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Dubautia reticulata
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dubautia reticulata dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

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Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid waterlogging as the plant is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained conditions.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable for ornamental shrub; flowering occurs in 2-3 years from establishment

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; seeds barely covered if direct sowing

Soil

Type: Well-draining volcanic or sandy loam soil with excellent drainage

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Pumice or lava rock for drainage Compost for organic matter Perlite to prevent waterlogging

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 10b-11, mimicking its native Hawaiian elevation and climate

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

4-6 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing. Growth is slow initially.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from harsh direct sun until established.

Vegetative Growth

6-18 months

Plant develops fine, reticulated foliage and gradually increases in size. Multiple stems emerge to form shrub structure.

Maintain moderate watering schedule. Feed monthly with diluted balanced fertilizer during growing season. Prune lightly to encourage branching.

Pre-Flowering

3-6 months

Plant reaches maturity with fuller branching structure. Buds begin to form along branch tips.

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering. Maintain consistent light and temperature conditions.

Flowering

Several months with recurring cycles

Delicate yellow flowers appear in clusters along stems, blooming intermittently throughout warm months.

Continue moderate watering and maintain full sun exposure. Do not fertilize during peak flowering.

Seed Production & Rest

Variable, 2-3 months or longer

Flowers fade and seeds develop. Plant enters a slower growth phase during cooler months.

Allow spent flowers to dry on plant for seed collection if desired. Reduce watering frequency in winter months.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Geranium arboreum Hawaiian native shrubs Drought-tolerant ornamentals Other Hawaiian endemics in botanical settings

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants Plants requiring frequent heavy watering Dense shade-casting trees

Common Pests

Inspect regularly; remove by hand or spray with horticultural oil. Isolate infested plants to prevent spread.
Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge. Use miticide if infestation is severe.
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

Uses

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Hawaiian Native Ecosystem Support

Wildlife

As an endemic Hawaiian plant, Dubautia reticulata provides nectar for Hawaiian honeycreepers and supports the native ecosystem. Its cultivation aids in genetic preservation of this critically endangered species. [source]

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Botanical Conservation & Research

Craft

The plant is valuable for botanical gardens, research institutions, and conservation programs focused on preserving Hawaiian endemic flora and preventing extinction. [source]

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Ornamental Landscaping

Household

With its delicate yellow flowers and fine foliage, Dubautia reticulata serves as an attractive ornamental shrub for tropical and subtropical gardens, particularly suitable for collectors of rare plants. [source]

Harvest Tips

Collect seeds after flowers have dried completely on the plant, typically mid-to-late season. Harvest in the morning when seeds are fully mature. Dry seeds thoroughly before storage. For botanical/conservation purposes, gentle collection without harming the plant is essential given its endangered status.

Fun Facts

🌱 Dubautia reticulata is one of the rarest Hawaiian plants, found in very limited numbers in the wild on only two Hawaiian islands, making it critically endangered.
🌱 The genus Dubautia is endemic to Hawaii and represents an example of adaptive radiation within the sunflower family, with species evolving to fill diverse ecological niches.
🌱 The name 'reticulata' refers to the distinctive net-like (reticulated) vein pattern visible on the plant's foliage, which is a key identifying characteristic.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Partial Shade pH True Leaves

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