Hawaiian Cotton (Gossypium tomentosum) is a striking tropical shrub native to Hawaii that grows 3 to 6 feet tall and spreads 7 to 10 feet wide, thriving in USDA zones 10-12. This species produces showy flowers followed by equally dramatic bolls that split open to reveal fluffy white cotton fibers surrounding the seeds, creating a stunning two-part show from bloom through fruit. Hardy to full sun and moderate water once established, it tolerates drought remarkably well and adapts to rich, fertile soils, though it demands careful moisture management and absolutely cannot tolerate frost or prolonged wet conditions.
Full Sun
Moderate
10-12
72in H x 120in W
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High
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The visual drama unfolds in two acts: first showy flowers, then the spectacular split bolls releasing clouds of white fiber that catch the light beautifully. This is a plant that performs double duty as both an ornamental shrub and a fiber-producing specimen, giving gardeners in warm climates a genuine textile crop they can grow in their own landscape. The mature size and spreading habit make it substantial enough to anchor a tropical garden, while the ability to maintain shrub form with intentional pruning keeps it from becoming unruly.
Hawaiian Cotton serves as both an ornamental shrub and a functional fiber crop. The bolls are harvested for the white cotton fibers that develop around the seeds, which can be hand-picked, carded, and spun into yarn or used for textiles. Some gardeners grow it specifically as a hedge or landscape feature in warm climates, valuing the aesthetic impact of the showy flowers and fruit alongside the practical yield of harvestable fibers.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Harvest cotton bolls when they split open naturally, revealing the fluffy white fibers inside. Hand-pick the fibers from the opened boll, separating them from the seeds. Timing depends on your growing season, but bolls typically mature during the plant's seasonal blooming and fruiting cycle.
Prune regularly to prevent the plant from sprawling and to maintain a compact shrub appearance. Without intentional pruning, Hawaiian Cotton tends to spread outward; deliberate cutting back keeps it tidy and manageable in the landscape.
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