Hawaii ’s climate is one of the warmest in the United States , embrace USDA hardiness zones 10A through 11 , according to the U.S. National Arboretum . This represent specific challenge for the landscaper who wants to limit her time spend creating a plushy , green backyard . Various planting and direction strategy , like using aboriginal Hawaiian plants and mulch , can reduce maintenance costs and time so you’re able to spend more of the daylight enjoying your landscape gardening than tending to it .

Native Hawaiian Plants

Hawaii ’s climate creates inhospitable grow environments for many popular ornamental shrub and flowers from the mainland . Do n’t fight with excessive management practices like extra watering or fertilization to keep such plants alive . or else , grow native Hawaiian plants for a low - maintenance landscape painting . These flower , vine and bush are well - adapted to the state ’s geographics and mood , command footling sustentation once established and are drought - resistive , consort to the University of Hawaii . The various nurseries connect with the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii deal the plants throughout the island .

Mulch

Hawaiian landscapes typically require frequent irrigation because Hawaii ’s twelvemonth - round Sunday and warmth make greater wet loss from the soil than in landscapes in cooler climate . Mulch reduces moisture loss , helping to conserve weewee , lower water utility note and reduce the time spent tending the garden . It can also help condition the soil and can serve as a ornamental feature along pathways and buildings for zero - maintenance borders . Mulching materials in Hawaii let in Grant Wood chips , crushed lava rock and shredded cocoanut husks . Pile the mulch 2 to 4 inches thick for adequate wet aegis and weed blockage .

Lawns

Attempting to grow coolheaded - time of year turfgrass like rye grass will only require minute of maintenance and tending . Landscapers should opt for a drought - resistant , fond - season grass species for a lower maintenance yard . Common Hawaii turfgrass coinage let in Bermuda grass ( Cynodon dactylon ) , centipede grass ( Eremochloa ophiuroides ) and zoysia grass ( Zoysia spp . ) .

Groundcovers

ground cover traditionally require less lachrymation and little - to - no mowing compare to even the hardy lawn . Landscapers should prefer for groundcovers in areas where turfgrass is n’t needed . Groundcovers that do well in Hawaii include the wedelia ( Wedelia spp . ) , the ilima papa ( Sida fallax ) and the akia ( Wikstroemia uva - ursi ) , according to the University of Hawaii .

References

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