Lagunaria patersonia – Norfolk Island Hibiscus

Lagunaria patersonia - Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Lagunaria patersonia - Norfolk Island Hibiscus

A medium to large tree, originally from Norfolk and Lord Howe Island. A very adaptable tree for a wide range of soils, and can grow from tropical to warm temperate areas. It has attractive pink to mauve flowers in spring and early summer. Copes well with salt laden winds, so very useful for coastal areas, but needs care as the seed pods contain very irritant hairs, a trap for anyone curiously exploring the plant. It is not called the ‘itchy bomb tree’ for nothing! Once the pods open the irritant hairs are released and blown on the wind, and can cause complaints.

Family : Malvaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Small tree, Large tree

Width : 7

Flowering Time : Spring, Summer

Soil Type : Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Saline, Poor soil

Climate Zone : Tropical, Sub-tropical, Warm temperate

Growth Habit : Evergreen

Soil Moisture : Well-drained

Special Uses :

Scientific Name: Lagunaria patersonia

Common Name : Norfolk Island Hibiscus

Height : 20

Flower Color : Pink, Mauve

pH Level : Acid, Neutral

Plant Environment : Coastal garden

Light : Sunny

Lifespan :

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost

Attracts Wildlife :