Botanical name:

Hibiscus richardsonii (erroneously referred to Hibiscus trionum in the past)

Common name(s):

Native hibiscus, puarangi

About:

An annual or short-lived perennial, this easy-to-cultivate plant serves as an excellent filler for beds, pots, and planters. It develops a well-branched, compact mound of deeply lobed, dark green leaves, offering an intriguing textural backdrop for its delightful flowers. The flowers reach 7 cm in diameter, showcasing lemon yellow petals accented by dark maroon centres. Although each flower lasts only a single day, the plant blooms abundantly throughout the season and yields inflated seed pods. Despite its flowers typically remaining closed on cloudy days, this hibiscus undoubtedly deserves a place in the garden.

Natural habitat:

Strictly coastal, growing in recently disturbed habitats, such as around slip scars, within petrel colonies, on talus slopes, and under open coastal scrub and forest. At Mayor (Tuhua) Island it is associated with an old pa site. The seed is long-lived, and has a persistent seed bank, such that this species often appears following major habitat disturbances caused by storm damage or fire.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island, from Te Paki eastward to Hicks Bay, including Great Barrier and Mayor (Tuhua) Islands. Also in New South Wales, Australia.

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

(September-) October – May with a cream or white coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

(September-) June possibly all year round.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Flowers & Container friendly.

How to grow:

Easy from seed. A short-lived perennial which behaves as an annual in colder climates. Frost-sensitive. Does best in an open, sunny situation. can be somewhat weedy, and has a very persistent seed-bank

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.