How to Grow ʻōhiʻa lehua
Wikimedia Commons
ʻōhiʻa lehua
Metrosideros polymorpha
treeʻōhiʻa lehua is a native Hawaiian tree known for its brilliant red, pink, orange, or occasionally yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. It is one of Hawaii's most important native trees, valued for its ecological role, cultural significance, and beautiful ornamental flowers. The tree is highly variable in form, ranging from small shrubs to large canopy trees depending on elevation and environment.
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.
Example ʻōhiʻa lehua timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant ʻōhiʻa lehua
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest ʻōhiʻa lehua
Late summer into fallBefore 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
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical zones 10b-11, primarily suited to Hawaiian islands and tropical climates
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
Seedling
4-8 weeksSmall tender seedlings with opposite leaves, very delicate and slow-growing
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from direct intense sun initially. Use well-draining seed-starting mix. Maintain high humidity.
Juvenile
1-3 yearsYoung tree developing more robust leaf structure and branching pattern; no flowers yet
Gradually acclimate to full sun. Water regularly during dry periods. Prune gently to encourage branching if desired. Establish good root system.
Vegetative
2-7 yearsMaturing tree with full canopy development, dark glossy opposite leaves, increasing in height and width
Maintain consistent watering during establishment. Mulch around base. Minimal pruning needed. Monitor for pests. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
Seasonal, typically 3-4 months per year; some varieties flower year-roundTree produces abundant terminal clusters of staminate flowers with prominent red, pink, orange, or yellow anthers creating showy pom-pom-like blooms
Ensure adequate sunlight for prolific blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering over foliage. Maintain regular watering. Flowers attract native birds and pollinators.
Fruiting & Maturity
Ongoing; trees live 50-100+ yearsDevelops small woody capsules containing seeds; established tree with full architectural form
Allow seed pods to mature if seed collection desired. Minimal maintenance needed once established. Prune only to remove dead wood or shape form. Trees are long-lived and improve with age.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
No cure currently available; prevention through maintaining tree vigor, avoiding wounds, cleaning tools between uses, quarantine infected trees. Report to Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
-
Prune infested branches, spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators
-
Remove with hand-pruning, horticultural oil spray, or introduce natural enemies like ladybugs
-
Increase humidity, spray with water, use miticide if severe, improve air circulation
Uses
Lei and ceremonial use
Culturalʻōhiʻa lehua flowers are traditionally used to make lei and are deeply significant in Hawaiian culture and ceremony. The flowers are prized for their beauty and cultural meaning. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
HouseholdThe showy flower clusters last well when cut and are popular for floral arrangements and home decoration. Branches remain fresh for several days in water. [source]
Nectar and habitat for native birds
Wildlifeʻōhiʻa lehua flowers are the primary nectar source for endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers including the ʻApapane and ʻAmakihi. The tree provides essential food and habitat for native wildlife. [source]
Traditional Hawaiian medicine
MedicinalVarious parts of ʻōhiʻa lehua were used in traditional Hawaiian lomilomi and healing practices. Different components have been used to support wellness. [source]
Wood for native crafts
Craftʻōhiʻa lehua wood was traditionally used for tools, weapons (spears), and ornamental items. The dense wood is durable and valuable. [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 flowers are typically harvested by cutting branch tips with blooms for lei-making or floral arrangements. Cut in early morning when flowers are fresh. Use sharp, clean tools. Flowers last several days in fresh arrangements. Seeds can be collected from mature capsules when they split open, typically 4-6 months after flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 ʻōhiʻa lehua is often the first tree to colonize newly formed lava flows in Hawaii due to its remarkable adaptability; it can grow from near sea level to 6,500 feet elevation.
- 🌱 The tree's flowers are highly polymorphic—the same species can produce red, pink, orange, or yellow flowers; this natural variation made it sacred to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
- 🌱 Rapid ʻōhiʻa Death (ROD), a fungal disease discovered in 2014, has killed millions of ʻōhiʻa trees in Hawaii and poses one of the greatest threats to Hawaii's native forests and endemic birds.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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 →