How to Grow Puakenikeni
Wikimedia Commons
Puakenikeni
Fagraea bertiana
shrubPuakenikeni is a tropical flowering shrub native to the Hawaiian Islands, prized for its intensely fragrant, delicate white flowers that bloom year-round in warm climates. The plant produces small, creamy-white trumpet-shaped flowers that emit a sweet, intoxicating fragrance, especially at night and in early morning. It is commonly used in Hawaiian lei-making and traditional crafts.
When should you plant Puakenikeni 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 Puakenikeni timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Puakenikeni
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Puakenikeni
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Puakenikeni dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-12, suitable for tropical and subtropical coastal climates
Sign up free to see if Puakenikeni grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Puakenikeni timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung seedling or transplant develops initial root system and foliage; plant is small with tender growth
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright, indirect light; protect from wind; apply light mulch around base
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsPlant expands, developing dense foliage and branching structure; no flowers yet
Maintain even moisture; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer; pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness; ensure good air circulation
Flowering
Continuous in warm climates, primary blooms spring-summer (3-4 months peak)Plant produces abundant small white trumpet flowers in clusters; flowers bloom throughout the year in warm climates, heavily in spring and summer
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote blooms; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; maintain consistent watering and humidity
Fruiting
2-3 monthsAfter pollination, small berry-like fruits develop; fruits are orange or red when mature
Allow some flowers to remain unpollinated for fruit development if desired; fruits can be left on plant or removed; minimize fertilizer
Dormancy/Maintenance
Varies by climate; 2-3 months in subtropical regionsIn cooler months (if temperatures drop below 65°F), growth slows and flowering decreases; plant remains mostly evergreen
Reduce watering slightly; hold off on heavy fertilizing; prune for shape if needed; protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; prune infested branches; maintain good air circulation; inspect regularly
-
Manual removal with soft brush; spray with horticultural oil or neem oil; treat in early spring before heavy infestation
-
Increase humidity and misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide if severe; ensure good air flow
-
Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; treat undersides of leaves
Uses
Lei-Making
CraftPuakenikeni is highly valued in Hawaiian lei-making, strung together to create fragrant garlands worn for special occasions and ceremonies. The flowers' strong, sweet fragrance makes them a prized lei ingredient. [source]
Natural Fragrance
HouseholdFresh flowers provide intense natural perfume for homes, gardens, and gatherings. The fragrance intensifies in warm evening hours, making the plant ideal for placement near seating areas. [source]
Floral Garnish
CulinaryEdible flowers can be used to garnish desserts, beverages, and dishes in Hawaiian and Pacific cuisine, adding visual appeal and delicate fragrance. [source]
Traditional Hawaiian Medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Hawaiian medicine, puakenikeni has been used in healing practices and rituals, though modern scientific validation is limited. The fragrance is valued in aromatherapy applications. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract native Hawaiian pollinators, birds, and insects, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity in tropical gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick flowers in early morning when fragrance is strongest and blooms are fully open but still fresh. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. Cut at the base of the flower cluster or stem. Flowers are best used immediately but can be chilled for a few hours. For lei-making, harvest flowers with 2-3 inches of stem for stringing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Puakenikeni' means 'ten-night flower' in Hawaiian, referring to its tendency to bloom more abundantly during certain lunar phases or night periods.
- 🌱 The fragrance of puakenikeni flowers is so potent that a single bloom can fill an entire room with its sweet scent; the fragrance is strongest at dawn and dusk.
- 🌱 Puakenikeni is the official lei flower of several Hawaiian islands and holds cultural significance in Hawaiian traditions, ceremonies, and hula dancing.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Puakenikeni planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Puakenikeni 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 Puakenikeni timeline →