Lagunaria patersonia
norfolk island hibiscus
Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island, and coastal eastern Australia
Overview
Lagunaria patersonia is an evergreen tree in the mallow family, growing 25-50 feet (8-15 m) tall with a narrow, pyramidal to columnar crown and a single straight trunk. The leathery leaves are oval, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, grey-green above and covered with pale scurfy scales beneath. Hibiscus-like flowers 2-2.4 inches (5-6 cm) across open in summer, pale pink fading to mauve-white, each lasting a few days and held singly in the leaf axils. The flowers are followed by woody capsules about 1-1.2 inches (2.5-3 cm) long that split into five segments; the inside is packed with stiff irritant hairs around the seeds, which cause intense skin itching on contact. Growth is moderate to fast, with trees reaching flowering size in five to eight years. The species tolerates salt-laden wind and coastal exposure but is damaged by hard frost.
Native Range
Native to Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island, and small areas of coastal Queensland in Australia. It grows in coastal forest and on exposed headlands, tolerating salt spray and sandy soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a street, park, and coastal shade tree in frost-free climates, spaced 20-30 feet (6-9 m) apart. Its salt and wind tolerance suits seaside and exposed positions. The irritant seed-capsule hairs make it less suited to playgrounds and high-use areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height25' - 50'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Flowers through summer (December to February) in its native range and in cultivation in warm climates. Individual blooms last only a few days, but the tree flowers over several weeks. Woody capsules ripen in autumn and persist on the branches.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale pink to mauve-whiteFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on a wide range of freely draining soils, including sandy coastal ground. Young trees need regular water for the first two to three years; established trees tolerate drought, salt spray, and strong coastal wind. Hard frost damages foliage and young growth, limiting the tree to mild and coastal climates. The species needs little feeding and is generally free of serious pests. The seed-capsule hairs cause skin and eye irritation, so fallen capsules are a concern in areas used by children. Trees are long-lived, reaching well over fifty years in suitable sites.Pruning
Little pruning is needed, as the tree holds a naturally narrow, even crown. Lower branches can be removed to lift the canopy, and dead or storm-damaged wood is taken out as it appears. Heavy pruning disrupts the symmetrical form and is rarely carried out.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter