Lagunaria patersonia - Norfolk Island Hibiscus
This genus, closely allied to Hibiscus, consists of a single species that occurs wild on Australia’s east coast near the Tropic of Capricorn as well as on the far offshore Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands. A densely foliaged tree of neat proportions, it is well suited to seaside situations as its gray-green foliage seems to be immune to salt spray; it is often planted as a street and park tree in such areas. The hard seed pods contain spicules, or tiny needles, which can cause extreme skin irritation when you collect the seed.
This tree needs full sun, well-drained soil and adequate water. It can tolerate the occasional frost once established.
It is ideally suited to small gardens. Its nice upright columnar habit means it does not take up much room in the garden. The leaves are quite sparse on the branches allowing plenty of light to reach the ground where smaller plants will grow happily under the protection of this tree.
The flowers are typical hibiscus shaped and are usually a light pink in colour. However there is quite a lot of variation in flower colour when trees are grown from seed. Flowers may vary from almost white to a dark burgundy. One or two cultivars have been named for their particular flower colour.
Lagunarias are easily pruned to made a nice specimen tree in a small or large garden.
See photos showing shape and flower colour on my pinterest board Lagunaria
This tree needs full sun, well-drained soil and adequate water. It can tolerate the occasional frost once established.
It is ideally suited to small gardens. Its nice upright columnar habit means it does not take up much room in the garden. The leaves are quite sparse on the branches allowing plenty of light to reach the ground where smaller plants will grow happily under the protection of this tree.
The flowers are typical hibiscus shaped and are usually a light pink in colour. However there is quite a lot of variation in flower colour when trees are grown from seed. Flowers may vary from almost white to a dark burgundy. One or two cultivars have been named for their particular flower colour.
Lagunarias are easily pruned to made a nice specimen tree in a small or large garden.
See photos showing shape and flower colour on my pinterest board Lagunaria