Native Plants for Hawaii Gardens
Hawaii spans USDA zones 12a within the South Florida, Hawaii ecoregion. Native plant gardening in Hawaii means choosing from species that evolved in Hawaii's specific conditions of soil, rainfall, and seasonal temperature patterns. Tropical native species found nowhere else in the continental US create stunning landscapes while supporting critically important wildlife. Find your city below for the specific plants best suited to your local USDA zone.
Top Native Perennials for Hawaii
Year-round foliage · 2–3 feet · Full sun to part shade
- Atala butterfly — ONLY host plant (once thought extinct)
- Extremely drought tolerant
Year-round · 3–10 feet · Full sun to part shade
- Year-round hummingbird and butterfly nectar
- Multiple butterfly host plant
Year-round · 3–6 feet · Full sun
- Year-round butterfly nectar source
- Multiple butterfly host plant
Top Native Shrubs for Hawaii
2–4 feet · Hummingbird specialist
3–8 feet · Shade tolerance
3–8 feet · Fall berries
Top Native Trees for Hawaii
Height: 30–60 feet
- Hurricane-resistant — flexibility not rigidity
- Peeling copper bark — year-round interest
Height: 40–80 feet
- Year-round canopy
- 500+ caterpillar species
Height: 20–50 feet
- Native South Florida tree
- Small fruits for migratory birds
Native Ornamental Grasses for Hawaii
Height: 2–4 feet
- Pink fall plumes
- Drought-tolerant
Height: 2–3 feet
- Native to South Florida
- Skippers butterfly host
Native Groundcovers for Hawaii
- Buckeye butterfly host plant
- Lawn substitute
- Nitrogen-fixing
- Butterfly host
- Year-round yellow flowers
- Sand and salt tolerant
Best Planting Time in Hawaii
Plant at the start of dry season (November) so plants establish through mild dry months before summer heat. Water twice weekly for first 3 months. Most Florida natives are fully self-sufficient by month 6.
The Hawaii Native Plant Society holds annual plant sales — often the best source for locally-sourced native plants adapted to Hawaii's specific conditions. Search "Hawaii native plant society" for your local chapter.
Native Plants by City in Hawaii
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best native plants for Hawaii?
Top native perennials for Hawaii's Tropical Climate (Zones 10+) include Coontie, Firebush, Wild Lantana. These plants are adapted to Hawaii's soil and climate conditions and provide critical pollinator habitat while requiring minimal maintenance once established.
What native shrubs grow well in Hawaii?
The best native shrubs for Hawaii gardens include Dwarf Firebush, Wild Coffee, Beautyberry. Dwarf Firebush is especially valuable: Year-round hummingbird plant.
When should I plant native plants in Hawaii?
Plant at the start of dry season (November) so plants establish through mild dry months before summer heat. Water twice weekly for first 3 months. Most Florida natives are fully self-sufficient by month 6.
Do native plants need fertiliser in Hawaii?
Sandy South Florida soils drain extremely fast — most native plants are adapted to this and perform poorly in amended soil. No fertiliser for established native plants.
What native trees should I plant in Hawaii?
Top native trees for Hawaii include Gumbo Limbo, Live Oak, Pigeon Plum. Gumbo Limbo supports Hurricane-resistant — flexibility not rigidity.