How to Grow Naupaka
iNaturalist
Naupaka
Scaevola taccada
shrubNaupaka is a tropical shrub native to Hawaiian and Pacific islands, known for its distinctive half-flowers with petals arranged on only one side. It typically grows 3-6 feet tall and produces small white, pink, or purple flowers followed by fleshy, round fruits. This salt-tolerant plant is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and legend.
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Example Naupaka timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Naupaka
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 Naupaka
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Naupaka dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10b-11; can be grown in containers in cooler climates
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Get my Naupaka timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Young Plant
4-8 weeksSmall plant with emerging leaves, tender and green. Develops its characteristic shape gradually.
Protect from strong winds and harsh sun initially. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide shelter in cooler climates.
Establishment
2-4 monthsPlant grows taller and fuller, developing multiple stems and branches. Foliage becomes denser and more robust.
Gradually reduce watering frequency. Begin light pruning to encourage bushier growth. Monitor for pests.
Flowering
6-9 months (spring through fall in most tropical areas)Small, distinctive half-flowers appear along branch tips, typically white, pink, or purple. Flowers are asymmetrical with petals on one side only.
Continue regular watering during flowering season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Light fertilizing supports flowering.
Fruiting
2-3 months after floweringAfter flowering, round, fleshy white or cream-colored fruits develop. Fruits are 0.5-1 inch in diameter.
Maintain adequate moisture. Fruits can be collected for seeds or left for wildlife. Remove overripe fruits to prevent self-seeding.
Mature/Maintenance
OngoingEstablished shrub produces flowers and fruits cyclically. Plant can live for many years with proper care.
Prune annually to maintain shape and size. Reduce watering in dry season. Fertilize lightly in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; encourage beneficial insects; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
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Prune affected branches; apply horticultural oil spray; manual removal of heavily infested areas
Uses
Traditional Hawaiian Healing
MedicinalNaupaka has been used in Hawaiian traditional medicine (lā'au lapa'au) for treating various ailments including skin conditions and digestive issues. Different plant parts (leaves, roots, fruits) were prepared as treatments in ancient Hawaiian healing practices. [source]
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
CulturalNaupaka holds deep spiritual significance in Hawaiian culture, featuring prominently in Hawaiian legends and mythology. It symbolizes separation and longing in the famous Hawaiian love story of Naupaka. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdUsed widely in tropical and coastal gardens for its distinctive unique flowers and salt tolerance. Excellent for hedges, borders, and specimen plantings in warm climates. [source]
Native Habitat Restoration
WildlifeImportant native plant for Hawaiian ecosystem restoration and for supporting native pollinators and birds. Fruits provide food for native wildlife. [source]
Traditional Food Uses
CulinaryIn some Pacific island cultures, naupaka fruits and flowers are used as food garnishes and in traditional preparations. The fruits are edible and were historically consumed by Hawaiian communities. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Fruits can be collected when fully ripe (white or cream-colored and soft). Seeds can be extracted from mature fruits and dried for propagation. For ornamental use, flowers are best enjoyed fresh on the plant. Leaves and seeds have traditional uses in Hawaiian culture and can be harvested as needed.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Naupaka's distinctive asymmetrical flowers with petals on only one side are unique among flowering plants and give it the Hawaiian name meaning 'half flower.' Legend says the flowers grew this way because a pair of lovers was separated, causing nature to split the flower in half.
- 🌱 Naupaka is found on both the beach (beach naupaka, Scaevola taccada) and in the mountains (mountain naupaka, Scaevola chamissoniana) in Hawaii, and both species are said to be separated lovers in Hawaiian mythology, unable to grow together.
- 🌱 This shrub is remarkably salt-tolerant and thrives in coastal conditions where few other plants survive, making it invaluable for beachside landscaping and coastal dune restoration projects.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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