'Uki'uki (Dianella sandwicencis) is a grass-like plant that does well in a variety of growth environments. It averages about a 3-5 foot spread at maturity and does well when grown in containers, making it a great accent or landscape plant. It does well in areas with full-partial sun and needs to be well-watered until it is more established. 'Uki'uki is tolerant to drought, wind, salt-spray and heat. It makes small blue-white flowers that will produce small, bright, blue-purple fruits.
The leaves of 'Uki'uki can be braided together to make cordage and have been used as thatching when building houses. The fruits can be used to make seed lei, and when they are juiced and mixed with lime, they make a nice blue-purple dye that is used in making kapa.
Sun requirements: Full-partial sun
Watering needs: Can tolerate dry, moist, or wet conditions; requires weekly watering until established, then reduce to once or twice a week. Mulching helps retain moisture.
Soil preferences: Well-drained soil, including cinder and organic soils
Elevation: 150-7,000 feet, found in dry, mesic, and wet environments
Cultural significance: ‘Uki’uki has deep roots in Hawaiian culture, historically used for cordage, house thatching, and dyeing kapa with its juice. The fruit is still used as a natural dye today, and its berries, though mild in flavor, are edible.
Practical applications:
Growth rate: Slow to moderate, can spread 3-5 feet
Mature size: Typically grows 1-3 feet tall with a spread of 3-5 feet
OPEN DAILY 9 AM – 5 PM
1525 BERNICE STREET
HONOLULU, HAWAI’I 96817
OPEN DAILY 9 AM – 5 PM
1525 BERNICE STREET
HONOLULU, HAWAI’I 96817
