LAGUNARIA PATERSONII

Botanical Name: Lagunaria patersonii
Common Names: Árbol Puka, Árbol de la Espuma, Hibisco Piramidal
Mature Size: 6–10 meters in height, 3–5 meters in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, coastal, and moderately poor soils
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Evergreen with dense, glossy, oval-shaped leaves
Flowers: Bell-shaped pink to mauve flowers with a hibiscus-like appearance, blooming in summer
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Uses:

Ornamental Tree: Lagunaria patersonii is valued for its upright, symmetrical form and attractive flowering display, making it ideal for urban landscaping, coastal gardens, and Mediterranean-style designs.

Windbreak and Street Tree: Commonly used in coastal areas as a wind-tolerant screen or avenue tree due to its resilience and structured shape.

Coastal Landscaping: Its salt tolerance and sturdy growth make it especially suited to seaside environments and exposed locations.

Benefits:

Drought and Salt Resistance: Performs well in dry climates and tolerates wind and salt spray, thriving with minimal irrigation.

Low Maintenance: Adaptable and resilient, requiring little upkeep beyond occasional pruning and caution when handling seed pods.

Pollinator Friendly: Its flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, contributing to local biodiversity.

Visual and Structural Appeal: Offers long-term form, evergreen foliage, and seasonal floral interest, enhancing garden structure year-round.

Lagunaria patersonii is a robust, elegant, and environmentally adaptable tree that brings both ornamental value and ecological benefits to dry, coastal, or Mediterranean landscapes. Its hardiness, floral beauty, and suitability for public spaces make it a versatile and reliable choice in sustainable planting schemes-