Hawaiian Hibiscus
Hibiscus
Though the purple-leaved hibiscus also grows in Hawaii, the yellow hibiscus is Hawaii's state flower. Hibiscus bushes bear flowers year-round in Hawaii though predominantly in the spring. The blooms are most commonly light yellow with a fading, deep red center. They have five large round petals that are slightly wavy and resemble tissue paper. These flowers can grow between four and six inches across and the leaves are toothed around the edges. They grow on tall shrubs that are three to 15 feet tall, depending on the age of the plant.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise
These flowers strike an outstanding pose which rather resembles a bird in flight or, some say, the head of a crane. Its exotic shape and vibrant orange, green, blue and red colors make it an incredibly memorable bloom. They bloom from early fall through early spring. It can be confusing to identify the flower's petals as its formation is unlike most other flowers. The three upright orange parts are actually sepals and the three cerulean blue spiky parts are the petals. The leaves resemble large, shiny, dark green banana leaves, and indeed the Bird of Paradise plant is in the banana family, though it bears no similar fruit.
Plumeria
Plumeria
These flowers are often used in the making of leis and can bloom in creamy white, yellow, magenta or purple. Some are two-toned while others are a solid color. Though the shape varies slightly between the eight or more species, they all have five petals, most of which overlap and are oval or elliptical in shape. They grow on tree-like shrubs and bloom from early spring to late fall. Plumeria are known for their delightfully sweet scent, which is used in some perfumes.
