Growing the Rare and Beautiful ‘Ohi’a Tree: A Gardener’s Guide to Conservation
Meet the ‘ohi’a (Metrosideros macropus), a stunning tree that’s as rare as it is beautiful. This remarkable member of the myrtle family captures hearts with its brilliant bottlebrush-like flowers, but there’s much more to this tree than meets the eye. If you’re considering adding this exotic beauty to your garden, there are some important things you need to know first.
What Makes ‘Ohi’a Special?
The ‘ohi’a is a true showstopper in the plant world. This perennial tree typically grows between 13-16 feet tall, though it can reach up to 30 feet in ideal conditions. What really sets it apart are those gorgeous red, bottlebrush-style flowers that seem to glow against the backdrop of its evergreen foliage. The tree has a naturally elegant form that works beautifully as a specimen plant or focal point in tropical garden designs.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit confusing. While this tree is found in Hawaii, it’s actually not native there. Metrosideros macropus originally hails from New Caledonia and has established itself in Hawaiian landscapes over time. In Hawaii, it’s considered a facultative wetland plant, meaning it’s equally happy in both wet and dry conditions.
The Conservation Reality Check
Before you start planning where to plant your ‘ohi’a, here’s the crucial information every responsible gardener needs to know: this tree has a Global Conservation Status of S2, which means it’s imperiled. With typically only 6-20 occurrences in the wild and fewer than 3,000 remaining individuals, this is a species hanging on by a thread.
What does this mean for you as a gardener? If you want to grow ‘ohi’a, you absolutely must source it responsibly. Only purchase from reputable nurseries that can guarantee their plants come from ethical propagation programs, not wild collection. Better yet, consider whether there might be native alternatives that could give you similar beauty without the conservation concerns.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to grow ‘ohi’a (with properly sourced plants, of course!), you’ll be pleased to know it’s relatively adaptable. Here’s what this tropical beauty needs to thrive:
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 10-11 only – this is definitely a warm-weather tree
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (morning sun with afternoon protection works well)
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential; it can handle various soil types but won’t tolerate waterlogged conditions
- Water: Moderate watering once established; surprisingly drought-tolerant
- Growth rate: Slow to moderate – patience is key with this one
Garden Design and Landscape Use
The ‘ohi’a works beautifully in several landscape scenarios. Its exotic appearance makes it perfect for:
- Tropical and subtropical garden themes
- Specimen plantings where it can be the star of the show
- Mixed borders with other tropical plants
- Courtyard gardens where its moderate size won’t overwhelm the space
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
Those stunning red flowers aren’t just for show – they’re magnets for nectar-loving creatures. In its native habitat and where it’s established, ‘ohi’a flowers attract various birds and insects. However, since this isn’t a native species in most areas where it’s grown, it’s worth considering native alternatives that might provide better support for local wildlife.
The Bottom Line for Gardeners
Growing ‘ohi’a is a decision that comes with both rewards and responsibilities. Yes, it’s an absolutely gorgeous tree that can add exotic flair to the right garden. But its imperiled status means every plant matters for the species’ survival.
If you’re set on growing this beauty, commit to sourcing it ethically and treating it as the rare treasure it is. Consider it an investment in conservation as much as in your garden’s aesthetics. And remember – there are likely native alternatives in your area that could provide similar visual impact while supporting local ecosystems.
Sometimes the most beautiful gardens are the ones that balance our desire for exotic beauty with our responsibility to protect the planet’s precious biodiversity. The ‘ohi’a tree gives us a perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
