← Plant Guides

How to Grow Pukeawe

Pukeawe

Styphelia tameiameiae

shrub

Pukeawe is a native Hawaiian evergreen shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family, known for its delicate pink or white flowers and small red berries. It typically grows 3-6 feet tall and is adapted to Hawaii's volcanic landscapes. This slow-growing plant is valued in native Hawaiian gardens and restoration projects.

When should you plant Pukeawe 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 Pukeawe timeline →

Example Pukeawe timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Pukeawe

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Pukeawe

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
💧
Water: Moderate water needs; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, drought-tolerant. Avoid waterlogged conditions
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Not applicable (slow-growing woody shrub; 3-5 years to reach ornamental maturity)
🌱
Planting depth: Same depth as root ball; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining volcanic or sandy soil with good organic matter
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged bark mulch Perlite or pumice for drainage Sulfur if pH is too high

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10b-12, particularly well-suited to Hawaii and other tropical/subtropical regions

10b 11a 11b 12a 12b

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

Get my Pukeawe timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Establishment

6-12 months

Young plant focuses on root development with minimal above-ground growth

Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly; protect from strong winds; apply light mulch

2

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Slow development of stems and small, narrow leaves; plant remains compact

Minimal pruning; water during dry periods; no fertilizer needed in native soils

3

Flowering

2-3 months (typically spring-early summer)

Delicate small pink, white, or red flowers appear along the stems

Do not over-fertilize; maintain consistent moisture; flowers attract native birds and insects

4

Fruiting

3-6 months

Small round red berries develop after pollination, persisting on the plant

Ensure adequate moisture; berries attract native Hawaiian birds and wildlife

5

Mature Shrub

Ongoing

Dense evergreen shrub with flowers and berries present in cycles

Minimal maintenance; occasional light pruning for shape; well-established and drought-tolerant

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

'Ōhi'a lehua Naupaka Pilo Milo Ilima Lama

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive non-native invasive species Plants requiring constant moisture in full shade

Common Pests

  • Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide if severe

  • Remove by hand or brush; apply horticultural oil in dormant season

  • Improve air circulation; remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering

Uses

🦋

Native Hawaiian Bird Food

Wildlife

The red berries are an important food source for native Hawaiian birds, particularly 'apapane and 'amakihi. The plant supports ecological restoration of Hawaiian ecosystems. [source]

🏠

Ornamental Landscape Plant

Household

Pukeawe adds delicate beauty to Hawaiian gardens and xeriscapes with its attractive flowers and berries. It is drought-tolerant when established and requires minimal maintenance. [source]

🎨

Cultural Significance in Hawaiian Gardens

Craft

Pukeawe holds cultural importance in traditional Hawaiian landscapes and conservation efforts. It is used in native plant gardens to honor Hawaiian botanical heritage. [source]

💊

Traditional Hawaiian Uses

Medicinal

Historically used in Hawaiian traditional medicine, though modern applications are limited. The plant remains part of Hawaii's ethnobotanical heritage. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Pukeawe is not typically harvested for crop production. Berries can be collected when fully red for seed propagation or wildlife observation. Cuttings may be taken in spring for propagation. Allow berries to remain on plant to support native bird populations.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Pukeawe is endemic to Hawaii, found naturally only on the Hawaiian Islands, particularly on volcanic slopes of Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai.
  • 🌱 The name 'pukeawe' comes from Hawaiian language and may derive from the plant's association with specific Hawaiian landscape conditions or uses.
  • 🌱 This plant is part of the heath family (Ericaceae) and thrives in volcanic soils, making it perfectly adapted to Hawaii's geological history.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Pollination
Shop Pukeawe plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Pukeawe planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pukeawe 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 Pukeawe timeline →