ʻUkiʻuki

ʻUkiʻuki (Dianella sandwicensis) is an endemic Hawaiian dianella with spreading, grass-like leaves, pale blue to white flowers, and blue-purple fruit on some forms. The Native Plants Hawaiʻi profile records year-round flowering and a 3–5 ft spread, while noting that plant forms vary from compact, short selections to taller plants around 3 ft. [Its species profile](https://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plants/dianella-sandwicensis/) describes the Hawaiian name and the range of forms. ## In the garden Use ʻukiʻuki as an understory accent, container plant, or groundcover. It can grow in full sun or partial sun and is found in settings ranging from dry shrubland to wetter forest. The profile notes that some plants bear white fruit and others have blue-purple fruit, so berry color is not uniform across all forms. ## Growing conditions This species grows in dry, moist, and wet conditions but benefits from well-drained soil. Water thoroughly while a new plant establishes, then adjust watering to the site and weather. Its published profile lists tolerance of drought, heat, wind, and airborne salt spray. ## Maintenance Remove occasional brown leaves and spent flower or fruit stalks to keep the planting neat. Divide clumps periodically when they become crowded or when you want to propagate them. Preserve enough space for the plant’s spreading habit.