← Plant Guides

How to Grow ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

Wikimedia Commons

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

Metrosideros polymorpha var. glaberrima

tree

ʻŌhiʻa lehua is a native Hawaiian flowering tree known for its vibrant crimson, orange, or yellow pom-pom-like flowers that bloom primarily in spring and early summer. The var. glaberrima is distinguished by its smooth, glabrous leaves compared to the pubescent foliage of other varieties. This culturally significant tree is endemic to Hawaii and plays a vital ecological role in native forests.

When should you plant ʻŌhiʻa Lehua 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.

Get my ʻŌhiʻa Lehua timeline →

Example ʻŌhiʻa Lehua timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering
💧
Water: Moderate watering when young and establishing; drought-tolerant once mature. Water deeply but infrequently. Prefers consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Extremely sensitive to root rot in poorly drained soil.
📏
Spacing: 240 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 3-5 years to significant size; 5-7 years to first flowering
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow or shallow 1/4 inch depth for seeds; plant transplants at same depth as root ball

Soil

Type: Well-draining volcanic or sandy loam soil; tolerates poor, acidic soils
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Volcanic rock mulch Organic compost for establishment Perlite or coarse sand for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10b-11 (Hawaii and similar tropical climates); very sensitive to cold and frost

10b 11a 11b

Sign up free to see if ʻŌhiʻa Lehua grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my ʻŌhiʻa Lehua timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

4-8 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with delicate cotyledons; very slow initial growth

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Use sterile seed-starting medium. Germination can take 2-4 weeks and is often erratic.

2

Juvenile Vegetative

1-3 years

Slow, steady growth of foliage with distinctive smooth, elliptical leaves; plant remains shrubby

Maintain moderate soil moisture. Begin light fertilization with balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Protect from strong winds. Prune lightly to encourage bushier form if desired.

3

Establishment & Growth

2-4 years

Tree grows taller with increasing branch structure; still no flowering; may reach 10-20 feet

Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and cool roots. Monitor for any signs of fungal issues in humid conditions. Support main trunk with staking if needed in windy areas.

4

Flowering

4-12 weeks per season; repeat annually once mature

Dense clusters of distinctive crimson, orange, or yellow brush-like flowers appear at branch tips, primarily spring-early summer

Maintain consistent care; do not overwater. Flowers attract native Hawaiian honeycreepers and other pollinators. Minimal pruning; flowers form on existing wood.

5

Mature Tree

Ongoing, decades to centuries

Fully established, potentially 20-40+ feet tall, with regular annual flowering and dense canopy

Minimal intervention needed once established. Remove dead wood and crossing branches. Very drought-tolerant. No fertilization usually needed. Prune only for safety or form.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

ʻŌhelo (Vaccinium reticulatum) Koa (Acacia koa) Mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) Santalwood (Santalum paniculatum) ʻIlima (Sida fallax)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive introduced grass species Invasive feral ungulates damage zones Albizia (prone to same fungal issues) Eucalyptus (allelopathic competition)

Common Pests

  • No reliable chemical control; manual removal of infected branches; maintain tree vigor; avoid moving plant material between islands

  • Horticultural oil spray; inspect regularly; prune heavily infested branches; encourage natural predators

  • and

    Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected foliage; fungicide as last resort

  • Fencing; tree guards; exclusion where possible; restoration of native understory to discourage browsing

Uses

🌿

Lei and Sacred Flower

Cultural

ʻŌhiʻa lehua flowers are traditional lei flowers of great cultural significance in Hawaiian culture, featured in hula and spiritual ceremonies. The flowers are also traditionally associated with Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. [source]

🦋

Native Bird & Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Flowers attract native Hawaiian honeycreepers (ʻapapane, amakihi) and other pollinators that depend on its nectar. Provides essential food source for endemic bird species in native Hawaiian forests. [source]

💊

Traditional Hawaiian Medicine

Medicinal

Traditionally used in Hawaiian healing practices (lāʻau lāpaʻau); various parts used for respiratory conditions and general wellness in Native Hawaiian medicine. [source]

🏠

Reforestation and Native Restoration

Household

Critical species for native Hawaiian forest restoration and reforestation projects, particularly in volcanic landscapes. Essential for ecosystem recovery in Hawaii. [source]

🍳

Flower Nectar

Culinary

The abundant flowers produce nectar traditionally consumed directly or made into infusions. Sometimes used to flavor local honey in Hawaii. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

ʻŌhiʻa lehua is primarily ornamental and cultural; flowers are traditionally harvested with respect for the plant by cutting entire flower clusters at the base using a single, clean cut. Historically, lei makers would gather flowers early morning when they last longest. No seeds are typically harvested for commercial purposes, though small amounts can be collected from mature trees in late summer if desired for propagation.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 ʻŌhiʻa lehua is one of the first plants to colonize new lava flows in Hawaii, often being the pioneer species that begins forest succession on fresh volcanic rock—sometimes flowering within a few years despite growing in seemingly barren lava.
  • 🌱 The name 'lehua' may derive from a Hawaiian legend about two lovers transformed into ʻōhiʻa and ʻōhelo plants; according to tradition, if you pick ʻōhiʻa flowers without an offering or proper respect, it will rain, representing the tears of the separated lovers.
  • 🌱 There is significant genetic variation across Hawaiian islands and elevations, with var. glaberrima being one of several recognized varieties; some populations can survive at elevations above 10,000 feet on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Gardening Terms

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

Annual Full Sun Germination Mulch Partial Shade
Shop ʻŌhiʻa Lehua plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized ʻŌhiʻa Lehua planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start ʻŌhiʻa Lehua seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my ʻŌhiʻa Lehua timeline →