How to Grow Hawaiian Snow Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hawaiian snow bush is a beautiful evergreen shrub that produces lovely white flowers. This tough plant is salt tolerant and drought tolerant, making it ideal for coastal regions. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Hawaiian snow bush is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for busy gardeners.

How to Grow Hawaiian Snow Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • campanula
  • dianthus
  • echinacea
  • lobelia
  • veronica

Common Knowledge

  • Hawaiian snow bush is a flowering plant native to the Hawaiian Islands.
  • It is a member of the stiroporaceae family, which includes other Hawaiian plants such as the false kamani and the maile.
  • Hawaiian snow bush can reach a height of 15 feet and has white or cream-colored flowers.
  • The plant is used in lei making and is also used as an ornamental plant.
  • Hawaiian snow bush is adapted to dry conditions and can tolerate drought.
  • It is a slow-growing plant and can live for up to 20 years.
  • Hawaiian snow bush is susceptible to fungal diseases, especially if grown in humid conditions.
  • It is important to provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
  • Hawaiian snow bush is identified as an endangered plant species in the United States.
  • There are only an estimated 20,000 plants remaining in the wild.

Planting Process

  1. For hawaiian snow bush, first step is to find the warmest, sunniest spot in your yard. If you live in an area with very mild winters, you can grow hawaiian snow bush year-round.
  2. Dig a hole in the ground that is twice the size of the pot your hawaiian snow bush is currently in.
  3. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, making sure not to damage the roots.
  4. Place the plant in the hole, making sure that the roots are completely covered with soil.
  5. Water the plant well, making sure that the soil is moist but not soggy.
  6. Fertilize the plant once a month using a general purpose fertilizer.
  7. Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it from getting too leggy.
  8. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if you notice any.
  9. Harvest the leaves of your hawaiian snow bush regularly, and use them in salads or as a garnish.
  10. Enjoy your homegrown hawaiian snow bush!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the Hawaiian snow bush can grow in any soil type as long as it is well-drained. However, it prefers sandy or loamy soils. It is also tolerant to drought and can grow in full sun or partial shade.

About light

Just like other snowbushes, the Hawaiian snow bush (Euryops pectinatus) is a sun-loving plant that does best when it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in an area with hot summers, this bush will appreciate some afternoon shade to prevent its leaves from scorching.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that are best for the Hawaiian snow bush are warm days and cool nights. This plant does not like it when the temperature gets too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature range for the Hawaiian snow bush is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too far below or above this range, the plant will not be happy.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or above. The Hawaiian Snow Bush does best in tropical or subtropical climates with little to no humidity. They are however, drought tolerant and can survive in locations that experience little to no rainfall.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a balanced fertilizer that is applied every two weeks during the growing season. When it comes to the roots, it is best to plant the Hawaiian Snow Bush in an area where the roots will have room to spread out. This means avoiding areas that are too compacted or have a lot of rocks.

Plant Pruning

Pruning Hawaiian snow bush is important to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. Cut back the branches to encourage new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be about 10cm (4in) long and have a heel of wood if possible. Use a clean, sharp knife or secateurs to take the cuttings, and make a slanting cut just below a leaf joint. Remove the lower leaves, dipping the cut end in hormone rooting powder if available. Fill a 9cm (3½in) pot with a mix of two parts peat-based compost and one part horticultural sand or perlite. Firm gently and make a hole in the center with a dibber. Insert the cutting, and water well. Place the pot in a propagator or seal inside a clear plastic bag, and keep at a temperature of 21-24°C (70-75°F). After a few weeks, check for roots by carefully easing the cutting from the pot.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is pretty slow, however, if the plant is given the proper amount of attention and fertilizer, it can grow quite quickly. In general, this tropical shrub will do best in partial sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the plant is susceptible to root rot, as well as to fungal diseases. The plant is also known to be a heavy feeder, so it is important to fertilize it regularly.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your Hawaiian snow bush regularly, especially during the warmer months.
  • Place your plant in a location where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Be sure to fertilize your Hawaiian snow bush every few months to promote healthy growth.
  • If you notice any yellowing leaves, remove them from the plant to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking its best.
  • Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale, which can damage your plant.
  • If you live in a cold climate, you may need to bring your Hawaiian snow bush indoors during the winter months.
  • To propagate a new plant, take stem cuttings from an existing Hawaiian snow bush and root them in moist soil.
  • You can also grow Hawaiian snow bush from seed, although it may

Related Plants

  • Hawaiin Nightshade Solanum nelsonii
  • Hawaii quamoclit cymosa Quamoclit cymosa
  • Hawaii quamoclit lutea Quamoclit lutea
  • Hawaiian rainforest tree Canella winterana
  • Hawaiian sweet fragrant grass Glyceria fluitans
  • Hawaiian sweetheart palm Acoelorrhaphe wrightii
  • Hawaiian turpentine plant Cochlospermum gossypium
  • Hawai'i 'u'u Myadestes obfuscatus
  • Hawaiian mallow content Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii
  • Hawaiian snow bush Dodonaea viscosa

Source:
Hawaii Soil Atlas - University of Hawai?i
Hawaiian Lunar Calendar – Hawai?i Climate Data Portal
Hawaiian Diacritics :: ASK US, University of Hawaii System

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category