Botanical name:

Hibiscus diversifolius

Common name(s):

Native hibiscus, swamp hibiscus, prickly hibiscus

About:

A shrub species that is extremely rare in its natural habitat, with only a few isolated populations found along the coastal regions of the North Island. However, it is more widely distributed throughout the Pacific region. The plant typically reaches heights of 1 to 2 m. Its leaves are triangular with lobes that feature serrated edges and display a bright green colour. The branches, leaf stems, and midribs are covered with bristles. The prominent lemon-yellow flowers, which may not fully open, showcase a deep maroon spot at their centre. This species thrives in dry, sunny environments but is sensitive to frost. Additionally, there is a prostrate variant that can serve effectively as a woody ground cover.

Natural habitat:

Coastal wetlands and stream-sides. Often growing amongst raupo (Typha orientalis) at the back of dune slacks or close to brackish streams. Very rarely in gum-land scrub or on ultramafic rubble.

Growing environment:

Sun, Drought, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

In New Zealand this species has apparently always been restricted to the northern most extremity of the North Island (from about Reef Point and Doubtless Bay north). The largest populations known occur on the eastern side of Te Paki. However, several of these owe to their origins to deliberate plantings by conservation minded locals. Outside New Zealand this species is also known from tropical Africa, Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, many Pacific Islands and Central and South America.

Height: 2m

Flowering: 

September - April (but sporadic flowering may occur at anytime of the year) with a Lemon/yellow & mauve coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

October – May but possibly all year round.

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Very easily grown from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. An attractive shrub, ideal for a coastal garden or sheltered situation when grown inland. Rather frost tender, in cooler areas it can be treated as a vine and grown up walls which protects it from frost. The prickly stems and petioles can be unpleasant. The creeping form reputedly from the Surville Cliffs makes an ideal ground cover. Hibiscus diversifolius can be grown around ponds and in boggy ground.

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