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.
Lagunaria patersonia – Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Plant Information
Plant Type - Small tree, Large tree
Common Name - Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Scientific Name - Lagunaria patersonia
Family - Malvaceae
Cultivar Name -
Other Common Name -
Minimum Height - 10
Maximum Height - 20
Minimum Width - 5
Maximum Width - 7
Flower Colour - Pink, Mauve
Flowering Time - Spring, Summer
pH Level - Acid, Neutral
Soil Type - Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Saline, Poor soil
Plant Environment - Coastal garden
Climate Zone - Tropical, Sub-tropical, Warm temperate
Light - Sunny
Growth Habit - Evergreen
Life Span -
Soil Moisture - Well-drained
Propagation Method - Seed
Frost Tolerance - Tolerates light frost
Plant Usage - Windbreak
Special Uses -
Attracts Wildlife -
Angus Cultivar -