8 Hawaiian-Inspired Planting Ideas for Mainland Gardens

You can't perfectly duplicate the lush look of Hawaiian gardens on the mainland—just as a mai tai at sunset won't taste the same off the islands. But adding island touches is surprisingly easy. Most plants giving Hawaii its tropical beauty originated elsewhere, and many thrive on the mainland. Several make outstanding summer container plants. Here are eight planting ideas from Hawaii to make your garden as comfortable and colorful as an aloha shirt.

1. Work with the Old Reliables: Hibiscus

Originally from tropical Asia, hibiscus is a symbol of Hawaii and a fine medium-size evergreen shrub in mild climates like California. Perfect summer container plant. Start with nursery plants in bud or bloom for flowers spring through fall.

• Botanical name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
• USDA zones: 10–11
• Water: Moderate or more; don't let soil dry out
• Light: Full sun
• Mature size: 8–15 feet tall, 6–8 feet wide (larger in tropics)
• Container tips: 'Erin Rachel', Breeze series, Luau series (2–3 feet)

2. Play with Foliage: Ti Plant

Hawaii's look comes from combining foliage colors and textures. Bold purplish leaves of ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) contrast with bright green lacy ferns. Ti plant is a popular houseplant anywhere and can grow outdoors in summer or year-round in mildest zones. Leaves come in many colors, including variegated. Excellent container plant.

• Botanical name: Cordyline fruticosa
• USDA zone: 11
• Water: Moderate
• Light: Full sun or partial shade
• Mature size: 6+ feet tall, 4+ feet wide (in ground)
• Tip: Move indoor plants outdoors well after frost danger passes.

3. Experiment with Tropicals: Pink Powder Puff

Calliandra haematocephala, aptly named for its flowers, appears infrequently on the mainland but grows in mildest climates. A sprawling evergreen shrub.

• USDA zones: 9–11
• Water: Regular to frequent; needs moist soil
• Light: Full sun
• Mature size: Up to 10+ feet tall
• Tip: Best against a sunny wall where its loose habit allows espalier training.

4. Create a Potful of Hawaii: Bougainvillea

Many Hawaiian plants make nice summer container plants. Bougainvillea grows quickly in pots and can be moved indoors for winter. Plant in spring for a showy midsummer display. Choose compact varieties: 'Singapore Pink', 'Temple Fire', 'Purple Queen'. Handle root ball carefully—bougainvillea is sensitive.

• Botanical name: Bougainvillea, many varieties
• USDA zones: 9–11
• Water: Moderate
• Light: Full sun
• Mature size: Vining types to 30 feet; compact types 2–6 feet
• Tips: Keep container soil dry for top bloom. Support vines. Prune in spring after frost. Cut back stringy stems during growing season.

5. Move Indoor Plants Outdoors: Bromeliads

Bromeliads make striking houseplants everywhere and reliable container plants in Hawaii (pineapple is a bromeliad!) and mild climates. Neoregelia is prized for colorful foliage and flowers.

• Botanical name: Neoregelia, many species
• USDA zones: Subtropical/tropical for outdoor use
• Water: Keep the cup formed by leaves filled with water
• Light: Shade in garden; near window light indoors
• Mature size: 8 inches to much taller
• Tip: Place outdoors for summer in a shady, moist spot.

6. Look Again at Common Plants: Bird-of-Paradise

Many mainland plants look new and exciting in Hawaii. Bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae) grows like a weed in Southern California. Give it a prominent spot to appreciate intricate blooms up close. Plant near a window for indoor views. Cut flowers for the house.

• USDA zones: 9–11
• Water: Moderate
• Light: Full sun, or partial shade in hot climates
• Mature size: 5–6 feet tall and wide
• Tip: In marginal climates, plant under eave for frost protection.

7. Grow a Plant Pretty Enough for Leis: Cape Plumbago

On the mainland, cape plumbago is often relegated to freeway duty. In Hawaii, baby blue blooms go into leis. Try it Hawaiian-style—in a clipped hedge or pot, where you can see flowers up close spring through fall.

• Botanical name: Plumbago auriculata
• USDA zones: 9–11
• Water: Light
• Light: Full sun or light shade
• Mature size: 6+ feet tall, much wider
• Tip: Prune or shear back in late winter/early spring to control size.

8. Find a Plum-Perfect Shrub: Natal Plum

In Hawaii, Natal Plum is often mistaken for plumeria or tiare. The difference: you can grow Natal Plum in mild mainland gardens, especially coastal Southern California. Prune for low hedge or ground cover. Thrives in containers.

• Botanical name: Carissa macrocarpa
• USDA zones: 10–11
• Water: Light to moderate
• Light: Full sun or light shade
• Mature size: 6 feet tall and wide; compact varieties available
• Tip: Plant against a wall for extra warmth and winter protection. Beware spines on branches.