How to Grow Ōhi'a Lehua with Naupaka

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Ōhi'a Lehua with Naupaka

Metrosideros polymorpha with Scaevola species

shrub

This refers to a native Hawaiian plant pairing of ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), a culturally significant flowering tree with vibrant red, orange, or yellow blooms, and naupaka (Scaevola species), a companion shrub with distinctive half-flowers. Together they represent an important ecological and cultural association in Hawaiian ecosystems, particularly in coastal and mid-elevation forests.

When should you plant Ōhi'a Lehua with Naupaka in your zone?

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Example Ōhi'a Lehua with Naupaka timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Ōhi'a Lehua with Naupaka
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Ōhi'a Lehua with Naupaka
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ōhi'a Lehua with Naupaka dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; ōhi'a adapts to both, naupaka prefers full sun especially in coastal areas

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Water: Ōhi'a: moderate water, can tolerate drought once established; naupaka: drought-tolerant, prefers occasional deep watering, excellent for low-water landscapes

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Spacing: ōhi'a: 48-72 inches; naupaka: 24-36 inches depending on cultivar inches

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Days to maturity: Both are slow-growing; flowering begins 2-4 years after planting; full maturity 5-10+ years

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Planting depth: Plant at soil line; transplants should be at same depth as nursery containers

Soil

Type: Well-draining volcanic or lava-based soil, sandy-loam for naupaka

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Volcanic rock or lava mulch Compost for organic matter Perlite or coarse sand for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10b-12, with naupaka particularly suited to coastal zones 10b-11

10b 11 12

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Growth Stages

Establishment (Young Transplant)

6-12 months

Small 1-2 year old plants with limited branching and minimal flowering

Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged for first year; protect from strong winds; apply 2-3 inches of mulch; avoid fertilizing excessively

Vegetative Growth

1-3 years

Plants developing multiple stems and increasing foliage; ōhi'a shows darker, glossy leaves; naupaka develops characteristic small, rounded leaves

Water during dry periods; prune lightly to encourage branching; maintain mulch layer; minimal fertilizer needed

Flowering

2-6 months seasonally, may be extended in tropical regions

Ōhi'a produces distinctive pom-pom-like flowers in red, orange, yellow, or rare pink; naupaka produces half-flowers (petals on one side only) in white, blue, or purple

Do not deadhead if wildlife berries/seeds desired; provide light nitrogen fertilizer during bloom season; ensure good drainage

Fruiting and Seed Development

3-6 months

Ōhi'a develops small capsular fruits containing tiny seeds; naupaka produces fleshy drupes dispersed by birds

Allow fruits to mature on plant for wildlife; birds will consume and disperse naupaka seeds; monitor for pest activity

Maturity

5+ years onward

Established plants with full canopy, regular flowering, and strong root systems; ōhi'a may reach 30-50+ feet; naupaka remains shrubby 6-10 feet

Minimal water needed once established; prune for shape and health; monitor for native pests; can withstand harsh conditions

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Koa (Acacia koa) Māmaki (Pipturus albidus) Olomea (Perrottetia sandwicensis) Native Hawaiian ferns Silversword (Argyroxiphium)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive non-native invasive species (fountain grass, Christmas berry) Heavy-rooted trees competing for water Lawns requiring frequent irrigation

Common Pests

Monitor regularly; encourage natural predators; horticultural oil spray for severe infestations; avoid over-fertilizing
Generally not severe on established plants; remove affected branches if necessary; provide good air circulation
Hand-pick in morning; use neem oil; encourage native predators
No cure available; practice sanitation with tools; remove infected trees if in native forest context; maintain plant vigor

Uses

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Hawaiian Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural

Ōhi'a lehua holds profound cultural importance in Hawaiian tradition as a sacred tree associated with the volcano goddess Pele. Naupaka features in Hawaiian legend about divided lovers. Both plants are integral to native Hawaiian forest ecosystems and cultural practices. [source]

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Native Bird & Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Ōhi'a flowers attract native Hawaiian honeycreepers (ʻapapane, ʻamakihi) and other birds with nectar; naupaka's small flowers and fleshy fruits provide food for native birds and are key to native forest regeneration. Both plants support native insect populations. [source]

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Lei-Making & Floral Arts

Craft

Ōhi'a flowers are prized for traditional Hawaiian lei and haku (garland) making, valued for their vibrant colors and symbolic meaning. Naupaka's unusual half-flowers are occasionally used in mixed lei designs. [source]

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Landscape Restoration & Native Gardening

Household

Both plants are cornerstone species for native Hawaiian landscape restoration, xeriscaping in tropical climates, and creating sustainable, low-water gardens. Naupaka's extreme drought tolerance makes it ideal for challenging coastal or dry sites. [source]

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Traditional Hawaiian Medicine

Medicinal

Traditional Hawaiian medicine (lāʻau lāpaʻau) utilized ōhi'a bark and leaves for various ailments. While modern research is limited, these plants were valued in Hawaiian healing practices for their purported anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

These are ornamental and ecological plants not harvested like crops. Naupaka fruits can be collected for propagation by allowing birds to disperse them naturally or collecting ripe fruits for seed extraction. Ōhi'a seeds are tiny and difficult to harvest; collect seed capsules when dry and brittle, then extract seeds. In Hawaiian tradition, ōhi'a flowers were used in lei-making—flowers can be picked when fully open.

Fun Facts

🌱 According to Hawaiian legend, ōhi'a lehua trees grew from the bones of a young girl named Ōhi'a and her lover Lehua, who were transformed into the tree after Pele's jealous curse—hence the name combining both lovers
🌱 Naupaka's distinctive half-flowers (petals only on one side) reflect its own Hawaiian legend of separation: it was divided in two by a goddess, with one species thriving on the coast and another in the mountains, representing lovers separated forever
🌱 Ōhi'a lehua is a pioneer species that colonizes fresh lava flows in Hawaiʻi, and can grow at elevations from sea level to over 9,000 feet, demonstrating remarkable ecological versatility

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade pH

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