Plants

Above, a lei made with 'liko, cup & saucer, and Spanish moss

Plants

You will need fairly sturdy plants that do not wilt quickly. Below are some of the most wonderful

Flowers

Yellow 'ohai ali'i, also in orange, red, pink. Buds are used, too

Need photos for kou, small marigolds, kalanchoe

Cup and saucer in 4 colors

Bougainville in a variety of colors. A drier, less delicate flower lasts longest.

Epidendrums, a lovely orchid and prized flowers

orchids of all kinds work well

Galphimia, very sturdy with vibrant color.

Bozu, aka bachelor's buttons. Will hold up a long time.

Purple bleeding heart. Grows quickly and blooms continuously.

Hydrangea can be found in blue, green, purple, white and pink. Some florists carry it.

Tomentosa (Congea Tomentosa)

Cock's comb, this one is curly, others are usually pointy.

Golden El Dorado

Not sure of name, grows in trees and blooms in late spring. Will last a couple of days only with care.

Red bleeding heart

Spathoglottis, a land orchid

Huapala, or trumpet vine, is wonderful as an open flower or a cluster of buds.

Lime puff

Datropha is a tree seen in many yards and landscapes

Agapanthus. Flowers and buds work well.

Greenery or leaves to fill in the lei

Fern

Leaf clusters from the 'ohia, also known as liko

Also:
- boxwood
- evergreen
- parsley panix
- juniper

Experiment with hardy leaves to find your favorite

Palapalai fern. Note how full the leaves are. Excellent material to fill between flowers, and provide sides and back of lei.

Variegated variety of 'ohia

Song of India, leaves are often used by folding and making a loop in the lei. Sometimes cut in half the long way.

Red and burgundy ti leaves make beautiful ti rosettes and loops in lei

Spanish moss (the gray material above) adds a wispy accent to lei. The yellow is kauna'oa

Dracaena, the green is also known as the money tree.

Beefsteak leaf tips

Dusty miller. Great plant to grow at home.

Plants from the florist

Depending on the time of year, you can buy shinobu fern, rose buds, hydrangea, and MUCH more.

Baby's breath

Hydrangea from the florist will range in color from pale green to deeper blue, depending on availability

Yarrow

Small rose buds can be ordered. They usually must be wired to stabilize the stem.

Other Flowers:

- Trichilium - purple and green
- Alstroemeria - white, pink, green, yellow.
- Anemone
- Small carnations
- Cock's comb
- Buttom chrysanthemums, other small mums

Wax flower in pink and white. A cheery addition to any lei.

Blue/purple thistle and others

Purple statice from a florist, also available in white, light purple, and buff.

Much of a statice stem is wasted because the flowers lack stem. Using floral tape will combine short flowers and make them useable.

Native Hawaiian Plants

Many can be grown at home and would be a great addition to a garden. If picking from the 'aina, please be careful and take a little from each plant so the plants are not harmed.

PLEASE KOKUA: The 'ohia and liko that you see below are vulnerable to the Rapid 'Ohia Death fungus that is spreading throughout the Big Island. Please pick carefully and maintain good hygiene practices when on the Big Island to keep it from spreading to other areas. It is forbidden to take any part of the plant off the island. See the Hawaii Forestry Article for more information.
Keep our beloved 'ohia safe!