Sorry, it looks like no trip this year to enjoy the fall colors of mainland landscapes. The East Coast, especially New England, is famous for the brilliant riot of forests trees getting prepared for winter’s dormant season. Even deciduous trees of the Western United States are beginning to brighten landscapes as days grow shorter.
Hawaiian forests and gardens do go through a period of change but it is much more subtle, so to get in the mood for the holiday season we can add color to our little piece of paradise.
Fall is officially here in the northern hemisphere since the sun has moved south of the equator. As the sun moves farther, days are shorter and plants tend to slow their growth. This brings on the rainier season in East Hawaii and the dryer season in West Hawaii.
Even though we do not see the brilliant fall colors ablaze in the forests and gardens of the mainland, we can improvise. This year with all the rain on Hawaii’s west side, Kona is green. So now is the time for nursery and garden store shopping. You can find some great ideas for bringing the feeling of fall into our gardens. Where nights are cool and days frequently cloudy, try some of the fancy new Impatiens hybrids. These new hybrids are much more compact and flower abundantly. They come in all flower colors and have multicolored leaves as well.
Fall in Hawaii is colorful with Hawaiian wiliwili, African tulip, Timor shower, rainbow shower and even the royal poinciana trees in late bloom. Also flowering now are several species of Bauhinia or Orchid trees. Your garden could be even brighter with the addition of crotons, bougainvillea and hibiscus just to mention a few.
Besides the many tropical ornamental trees and shrubs available, you might also consider colorful annuals and perennials to brighten your winter garden or lanai. Many of the annual summer flowers that are prized most on the mainland are at their best here from November to May. These annuals are usually tolerant of cool weather. Since the winter temperature never goes extremely low, they thrive here, especially at higher elevations like Waimea and Volcano. Some, like the marigold are great the year-round. They are especially good for sunny dryer locations.
The marigold is native to the Southwestern United States and to Mexico. It grows well and is popular in every state of our union from Florida to Maine and from Hawaii to Alaska.
Marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and many other annuals with bright blooms are natural for adding color. You may also expand the beauty and interest of your floral borders by including low maintenance foliage plants. What are some of the best to add color and texture contrast?
Coleus immediately comes to mind and is probably the most popular. Little wonder, it’s so versatile and vivid! The plants with their brilliantly patterned leaves are flashy in sun or shade. You will especially appreciate how coleus can transform problem shady spots into rainbow of color. Other favorites include the many varieties of begonia, canna, caladium and geranium.
Using your creativity, you can brighten your home and garden from fall until spring.
For more information, contact the UHCTAHR master gardeners. On Kona side, call 322-4893, and Hilo side, call 981-9155.
