Gardens That Grow Themselves: Landscaping the Hawaiian Home

Few places reward a gardener like Hawaiʻi, where a warm, wet climate can turn a bare yard into a jungle in a season or two. Landscaping the island home is a joy and an art — a chance to frame the house in plumeria, ti, heliconia and palm, and to blur the line between garden and the wild beauty beyond.

Plants That Thrive

Hardy tropicals like ti leaf, hibiscus, plumeria, monstera and bird of paradise flourish with little coaxing, while fruit trees — mango, papaya, citrus, banana — offer beauty and a harvest. Choosing the right plant for your elevation and rainfall is the key to a garden that thrives on its own.

Gardening Responsibly

The same fertile climate that grows a paradise can also spread invasive species, so islanders are encouraged to favor native and non-invasive plants. Mulch well, water wisely despite the rain, and consider natives like ʻōhiʻa and naupaka to support the islands' fragile ecosystems.

Plant almost anything in a Hawaiian yard and it grows — the art is choosing what should.

Good to Know

• Ti, plumeria and heliconia thrive with little effort
• Fruit trees add beauty and a harvest
• Match plants to your elevation and rainfall
• Favor native, non-invasive species where you can

Do the math, visit in the off-season, and picture the ordinary Tuesdays, not just the sunsets.