Species reference sheet / enquiry only
Lagunaria patersoniaNorfolk Island Hibiscus
This is a technical reference for project discussion, not an online product. Availability, pricing, origin and export readiness are confirmed only after Ornatec reviews destination, quantity, size range and timing.
Species overview
The Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Norfolk Island Hibiscus or Cow Itch Tree, is a densely foliaged evergreen tree from Norfolk Island and coastal eastern Australia. It holds a neat conical to rounded crown of leathery grey green leaves and carries pale pink hibiscus-like flowers through late spring and summer.
It is one of the most wind-firm and salt-hardy broadleaf trees in cultivation, which is why it appears in Gulf and Australian coastal schedules as a first-line shelter and screening tree. Its seed capsules contain irritant fibres, so it is best kept away from play areas and seating.
Specifications
- Height8 to 15 metres
- Width5 to 8 metres
- Native toNorfolk Island, Lord Howe Island and coastal Queensland
- FoliageLeathery ovate leaves, dark green above and grey-scaly beneath; evergreen and held densely to the ground when unpruned
- Growth rateModerate
Conditions
- SoilPrefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor coastal sands and alkaline ground
- LightFull sun to partial shade
- WaterLow to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- ClimateThrives in subtropical, warm temperate and coastal regions; handles hot dry summers with occasional irrigation
Additional Features
- FlowersPale pink to lilac hibiscus-like flowers, 4 to 5 cm across, through late spring and summer
- UsesCoastal shelter belts, windbreaks, screening, avenue and car park planting on exposed sites
- SpacingPlant 4 to 6 metres apart for a solid shelter belt, or 8 to 10 metres apart as an avenue
- Low MaintenanceHolds a tidy shape without pruning; lift the skirt only where clearance is needed
- Pest ResistanceNotably free of significant pests and diseases
- Salt ToleranceHigh salt tolerance, taking direct salt-laden wind and sandy saline soils
- Wind ToleranceVery wind-firm, one of its principal reasons for specification on exposed coastal sites
- Drought ToleranceGood once established, though appearance improves with occasional deep watering
- ToxicitySeed capsules contain fine irritant hairs; site away from play areas, seating and pedestrian desire lines
The Norfolk Island Hibiscus is the tree to reach for when a coastal scheme needs a dense evergreen screen that will not be burnt back by salt wind.
Procurement note
Availability is confirmed by project review.
Checked against destination, quantity, size, origin, preparation time and export requirements.
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