Lemongrass Lemongrass is a tropical herb used in Asian cooking, as well as in teas, sauces, and soups. In the garden, lemongrass forms a tall, grassy clump 3 to 6 feet tall. Lemongrass can be grown in containers but must occasionally be split into new ones as the clump expands. […]
Plants in Hawaii
This section is an encyclopedia of plants that have come from or will be brought to the Hawaii Kai Plant Exchange.
Oregano (Cuban) Cuban oregano, a succulent herb, is native to India and not a “true oregano.” However, it can be used in place of oregano in cooking and is a hardy plant requiring not much more than sunlight, scant water and an occasional treat of fertilizer. The plant grows upward […]
Oregano (traditional) Traditional oregano, a perennial herb, is native to temperate western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. It likes moist well-drained soil and thrives in partial shade. Oregano makes a great ground cover, putting out roots where the stalk touches the soil. As an herb it is used […]
Celosia (Cockscomb) Largely an ornamental plant in America, celosia is an annual. Seed production in these species can be very high. One ounce of seed may contain up to 43,000 seeds. Depending upon the location and fertility of the soil, blossoms can last 8–10 weeks. Plants like full sun and […]
Mint A fragrant plant used in many different cultural dishes. It can be crushed and used in drinks or to add zest to a salad. Mint propagates by root and spreads rapidly. It is a water-loving plant, but tolerates an occasional skipping. Keep in partial shade to full sun.
Watermelon Radish Beautiful multicolor radish for salad garnish. Germinates in 5-7 days, ready in 60 days. Plant in full sun approximately 1 inch apart. Water daily.
Green Onion Also known as scallion or negi, green onion is a culinary herb used extensively in Asian food. The plant needs a replenishment of fertilizer regularly for best results (but really, what plant doesn’t?). Harvesting can be done through the “cut and come again” method of simply chopping it […]
Mugwort Mugwort is said to be drought-tolerant and grows to approximately 2.60 feet. Flowers are deep yellow in color and occur in late summer. Blooms are a great attractor for butterflies and bees. In a container however, mugwort requires a lot of water and spreads rapidly through roots. The plant […]
Creeping Thyme Creeping thyme is an easily grown, spreading thyme variety. It is excellent planted as a lawn substitute or among stepping stones or pavers to create a living patio. Creeping thyme is both edible and aromatic. The plant grows in full or partial sun and prefers soil that is […]
Kupukupu Fern Indigenous Hawaii plant popular for haku leis. Kupukupu is hardy and can tolerate most soil conditions, but it grows best in a moist, well drained soil or medium. The fern grows well in full sun and partial shade. Indoors, it can be kept on partially lit windowsills with […]
