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Xeriscaping is a style of landscaping that requires minimal outside irrigation efforts for plants to thrive. Home gardeners and professional landscapers make sure plants retain water from rainfall so it isn’t lost to evaporation. The key to a lush landscape is choosing vegetation native to the region where you live. If you want to try this water conservation strategy in your yard, below are a few native Hawaiian shrubs to get started. 

3 Plants to Use for Xeriscaping in Hawaii

1. Naio

Myoporum sandwicense or naio is native to most parts of Hawaii. It develops in different ways depending on the environment. In the coastal areas, for example, it’s not uncommon for the plant to take the shape of large shrubs, while it can grow several feet taller in subalpine settings. Naio is identified by its slender, smooth, long leaves. A subspecies native to Oahu features small leaves covered in tiny hairs that give it a soft appearance. The flowers take on a white to light pink hue and will fill your landscape with the smell of sandalwood.

2. Pohinahina

Kaneohe-Hawaii-xeriscapingVitex rotundifolia grows in sandy areas in the coastal regions of the Hawaii Islands. The common name varies from island to island, so you might see it listed as Pohinahina, Kolokolo Kahakai, Hinahina Kolo, or Mawanawana in a nursery. The shrub can serve as a major focal point in the yard, as it can reach up to three feet tall, with rounded leaves featuring delicate purple flowers. The shrub needs little water and will grow quickly in full sunlight. 

3. ‘Ākia

Wikstroemia uva-ursi or ‘ākia is typically found on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Molokai. The shrub can reach four feet tall with oval-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers. Over time, the buds develop into fruits. The plants grow slowly, which means they require less frequent upkeep compared to other plants you might use for xeriscaping.

 

For a wide variety of native Hawaiian plants suitable for xeriscaping, contact the professionals at Hui Kū Maoli Ola Native Hawaiian Plant Specialists in Kaneohe. Since 1992, the team has provided customers with native plants that will thrive in the tropical climate along with maintenance tips and professional landscaping services to keep your garden healthy. To learn more about the selection, call (808) 235-6165 or visit the nursery online. You can also browse pictures of their plants on Facebook.

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