‘Ohe Naupaka: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Growing
If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants or live in a tropical climate where you can grow them, ‘ohe naupaka deserves a spot on your radar. This charming shrub (Scaevola glabra) is one of Hawaii’s special endemic treasures – a plant found nowhere else on Earth except in the Hawaiian Islands.
What Makes ‘Ohe Naupaka Special?
‘Ohe naupaka is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall. What makes this plant particularly appealing is its compact, manageable size and its lovely fan-shaped flowers that bloom in white or pale purple. The glossy green foliage provides year-round interest, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want both beauty and cultural significance.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This Hawaiian endemic is found exclusively in Hawaii, where it thrives in coastal areas and dry to moderately moist forests. As a facultative wetland plant, it usually prefers wetland conditions but can adapt to drier sites – a flexibility that makes it quite garden-worthy.
Important Conservation Note
Before you rush to plant ‘ohe naupaka, there’s something crucial you need to know: this species has a Global Conservation Status of S2S3, indicating it may be somewhat rare in its native range. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t grow it – quite the opposite! Growing rare native plants in appropriate gardens can help preserve them. However, it does mean you should only source your plants responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or conservation organizations, never from wild populations.
Why Grow ‘Ohe Naupaka?
There are several compelling reasons to include this native Hawaiian shrub in your landscape:
- Cultural significance: You’re growing a piece of Hawaii’s unique botanical heritage
- Conservation value: Supporting rare native plants helps preserve biodiversity
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant
- Pollinator support: Attracts native Hawaiian insects and birds
- Unique beauty: Those distinctive fan-shaped flowers are conversation starters
Growing Conditions and Care
‘Ohe naupaka is surprisingly adaptable, but it does have preferences. Here’s what this Hawaiian native needs to thrive:
Climate: USDA hardiness zones 10-12 (tropical and subtropical climates only)
Light: Full sun to partial shade – it’s flexible about lighting conditions
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. While it can handle wetland conditions, it won’t tolerate waterlogged roots in garden settings
Water: Regular water during establishment, then drought tolerant. Its facultative wetland status means it can handle both wet and dry periods
Planting and Care Tips
Success with ‘ohe naupaka comes down to mimicking its natural habitat:
- Plant in spring or early summer when temperatures are consistently warm
- Ensure excellent drainage – amend heavy soils with organic matter or plant on a slight slope
- Water regularly for the first year, then reduce frequency once established
- Light pruning can help maintain shape, but this shrub naturally stays compact
- Protect from strong winds in exposed locations
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Perfect Garden Settings
‘Ohe naupaka shines in specific garden styles and situations:
- Native Hawaiian landscapes and ethnobotanical gardens
- Coastal gardens (it handles salt spray well)
- Drought-tolerant and xerophytic designs
- Conservation landscapes focused on rare plants
- Mixed shrub borders in tropical settings
The Bottom Line
If you live in zones 10-12 and want to grow something truly special, ‘ohe naupaka offers the perfect combination of beauty, cultural significance, and conservation value. Yes, you’ll need to source it responsibly due to its rarity status, but that just makes it more precious. This isn’t a plant for every garden – it needs tropical conditions – but for the right gardener in the right climate, it’s a wonderful way to connect with Hawaii’s unique botanical heritage while supporting plant conservation.
Just remember: always buy from reputable sources, never collect from the wild, and consider yourself a steward of this special Hawaiian endemic. Your garden will be richer for it, and you’ll be doing your part to keep this beautiful native species thriving for future generations.
