Best Flowers to Grow in Hawaii
Hawaii spans USDA Zones 10–13, typically Zone 10. We've broken out 523 flower varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
523
for Hawaii
USDA
Zones 10–13
320–365 days season
Beginner
503
easy to grow
Heirloom
333
heritage varieties
Hawaii in USDA Zones 10–13
Hawaii spans Zones 10–13. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Flowers in Hawaii
Zone 10 gardeners enjoy one of the longest growing seasons in the country—nearly 320 days of frost-free growing that extends from early February through mid-December. This subtropical climate opens doors to an incredible diversity of flowers, from heat-loving tropicals like hibiscus and vinca to traditional favorites that can be grown as short-lived perennials rather than annuals. The consistent warmth means you can succession plant cool-season flowers like pansies and sweet alyssum during your brief "winter" months, then transition to sun-worshipping varieties like zinnias and celosia as temperatures climb.
The key to successful flower growing in Zone 10 lies in understanding that your biggest challenge isn't cold—it's managing intense summer heat and humidity. Look for varieties specifically bred for heat tolerance, disease resistance, and humidity tolerance. Many flowers that struggle in other zones during summer actually thrive here with proper care, while some traditional cool-season favorites can be grown during your mild winter months when temperatures rarely dip below 30°F.
Zone 10 Flowers for Hawaii★ Most of HI
523 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 11 Flowers for Hawaii
523 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 12 Flowers for Hawaii
523 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 13 Flowers for Hawaii
523 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 10 Growing Tips for Hawaii
In Zone 10, timing is everything, and it's often the opposite of what gardeners in cooler zones experience. Start cool-season flowers like pansies, sweet peas, and snapdragons from seed in late September or early October for winter and spring blooms. These varieties will flourish during your cooler months and provide color when many other plants are dormant. For heat-loving annuals like zinnias, marigolds, and celosia, direct sow seeds after your last frost date in early February, or start them indoors in January for earlier blooms.
The intense summer heat and afternoon thunderstorms typical of Zone 10 require some strategic planning. Provide afternoon shade for varieties that aren't extreme heat lovers, ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot during heavy rains, and choose disease-resistant varieties whenever possible. The high humidity can promote fungal issues, so space plants adequately for air circulation and consider drip irrigation over overhead watering. Many flowers that peter out in summer heat elsewhere—like vinca, pentas, and impatiens—will bloom continuously for you with consistent moisture and some afternoon protection.