Umbrella Trees are the Perfect Answer to Wet Gardens

Dwarf papyrus, also known as umbrella trees, love wet gardens in Hawaii.

In all of my research for a wet garden plant, the one type that kept popping up over and over was umbrella trees. They go by many different types of names. Papyrus. Egyptian Papyrus. Scheffleras, often a type of bonsai. What I really needed was expert advice. I am by no means a Hawaii gardener. But I am resourceful enough to find out who is.

In fact, I located an expert who grows and sells Dwarf Bonsai Scheffleras, Mr. David W. Fukomoto, president and founder of Fuku-Bonsai, Inc. He runs a business down the road from me in Kurtistown, Hawaii. I emailed him with my dilemma. People are so friendly on Big Island. That’s part of the appeal here. Unlike Sacramento where they will stab you in the back and then complain about the blood on their knife.

Ever since we bought a house in Hawaii several years back, nothing has really grown in the corner by our front steps. The sellers before us tried growing taro, but it did not survive. I initially sought this spot for red ginger that I got from Tutu’s Nursery, but it was clearly unhappy in that location. I dug it up before it died completely and transplanted it elsewhere.

The problem is when I dig down about 6 inches, I hit water. Most of my garden is very dry. We have another wet pool about 12 feet away and just in one location. I’m not sure what the makeup is of the Aina (land), mostly volcanic, I suspect. There is also the possibility the drip system is leaking but there doesn’t seem to be a loss of pressure.

Mr. Fukomoto advised me not to plant a Dwarf Bonsai. He suggested papyrus. Excellent idea. I am so grateful for his wisdom and guidance. There is an overhang from the garage that would limit the height of the umbrella trees, so I decided to search for dwarf umbrella trees. Seemed like a good place to look was Lowe’s. My new favorite home improvement store, since Home Depot is no longer in my good graces due to its political position. I sold my stock and bought Loew’s.

Sure enough, Lowe’s in North Kona had a bunch of dwarf papyrus. I bought three umbrella trees and have planted them in that wet spot. They won’t spread because the area is secluded, although they are invasive. Aren’t they cute? They are only about a foot tall now and I expect to manage them to around 8 or 9 feet.