Hawaii Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

Ground Covers

• Many native Hawaiian ground covers are xerophytes, meaning they have specific features which make them drought-tolerant. Some of these plants have fleshy leaves that store moisture. Others have light silver foliage which helps reflect harsh sunlight.

  Kolokolo kahakai, also called beach vitex (Vitex rotundifolia), is a spreading plant with round, leathery leaves with a silver cast. The sprawling shrub stays about 1 foot in height but spreads to 3 feet in width. It has fragrant, lavender flowers and does well near oceans as it tolerates salt spray. Use this plant to drape over retaining wall or rocks, or plant on slopes to help reduce soil erosion.

  Ihi, or Hawaiian moss rose (Portulaca species) is a succulent-type ground cover plant. It has fleshy round leaves surrounding sturdy stems. These plants mostly stay under 1 foot in height. Light yellow, white or pink flowers appear throughout the year. Avoid excessive watering or the plant will rot.

  Rock's Kauai hibiscus (Hibiscus calyphyllus) is a low-growing shrub from the hibiscus family. It can be sheared back to 10 inches to make a dense ground cover. Its showy, yellow hibiscus-shaped blooms have black throats.

  Hinahina, or silver plant (Heliotropium anomalum), is a low-growing ground cover. It is a good choice for coastal gardens. Its pale gray leaves create a cool silvery palette. Water occasionally to prevent wilting. The plant has attractive small, fragrant white flowers.

Shrubs and Trees

• White hibiscus shrubs are native to the Hawaiian Islands and all have white, fragrant flowers. Kauai white hibiscus (Hibiscus waimeae) has a pinkish stem and fuzzy leaves. Oahu white hibiscus has purple-red stems and smooth, deep green foliage. Molokai white hibiscus has white stems and light green leaves. These shrubs or trees all grow to 15 feet or more.

  The Aalii plant is a slow-growing shrub or small tree. It has shiny foliage and tiny flowers. The plant develops very showy and decorative fruit and seed capsules. The tissue-paper-like pods can be pink, green yellow or red. Hawaiians use these capsules for leis and decorations. Aalii's range is widespread; it grows in coastal areas as well as drier interior hillsides.

  Manele, or Hawaiian soapberry (Sapindus saponaria) is a member of the lychee family. It is a medium-sized tree with green lustrous foliage. Large black seeds follow small white flowers. Sticky fruit pods cover the seeds. Native Hawaiians used the pod cover for soaps.

Mulch/Pathways

• Cover bare ground with different mulch materials. Wood chips are a good choice, but they can rob soil of nitrogen when they decay. Shredded coconut husks are available locally and have a rich texture and color. Crushed lava rock is a natural choice for these volcanic-region gardens. Deeply colored lava rock contrasts nicely with the bright plant colors. Spread mulch in a thick layer, at least 3 inches thick to provide insulation from the heat and protection from evaporation.

  Consider using large lava rocks as focal points in the garden. Plant trailing ground cover plants above the rocks on slopes. The plants will drape over the lava rock and contrast nicely with its rough texture and dark color.