Q. I saw a gorgeous red hibiscus, koki'o 'ula, at Leeward Community College. I think it's a native Hawaiian plant. If so, I definitely will attend this school if they grow native Hawaiian plants. What a great educational venue.

A: Yes those are koki'o 'ula, scientifically known as Hibiscus clayii. This lovely red Hawaiian hibiscus is named after famed plantsman and beloved educator Horace Clay.

Students at Leeward treasured the outgoing presence of the late Clay, a noted "plant nut." There, he taught and inspired thousands of students over the years as he shared Hawaiian plants with them and also led fabulous garden tours around the world.

I was privileged to know Clay. When I was young, I marveled at how he knew and could name every plant. He also shared all kinds of stories. He was an author of plant books that were also fun and easy to read. 'Auwe that he was taken from us too soon.

Happily, this choice hibiscus named for him, one found only in Hawai'i, thrives at Leeward Community College. We have other plants around town that are here, thanks to Clay. The golden yellow poinciana at Linekona is a gift from Clay and his wife, Yolanda.

The koki'o 'ula, which is native to Kaua'i, is an endangered species. Today the Hawaiian gardens and research greenhouse are faithfully tended by horticulturist Frani Okamoto.

Koki'o 'ula is fairly easy to grow if you prepare the soil so it drains well and is rich in organic material. It can grow in light shade or full sun.

It is a nice bush for the garden. With time and good nurturing, this lovely red-blossomed Hawaiian hibiscus can become a small tree.

You can grow it from seeds or cuttings. Visit a botanical garden benefit sale or ask your neighborhood garden shop to special-order this garden beauty to perk up your summer garden.

You can also volunteer with Okamoto or Priscilla Millen of the Leeward Community College Botany Department. Every garden needs some extra lima kokua (helping hands), and you can learn about some choice natives as you go.

Heidi Bornhorst is a sustainable-landscape consultant. Submit questions to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com or Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Letters may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.