Alyogyne huegelii (Blue Hibiscus)

Attractive and rarely troubled by pests, Alyogyne huegelii (Blue Hibiscus) is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub of upright and open habit, noted for its large, trumpet-shaped, lilac-blue to deep purple flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm). Blooming off and on all year, each glossy-petaled flower lasts 2-3 days. Borne singly from the leaf axils of young shoots, they stand out strikingly against the pubescent foliage of deeply cut, 3-5 lobed, dark green leaves. Heat-loving but freeze sensitive, Blue Hibiscus is a wonderful flowering accent plant for water-wise and xeric gardens.

• Typically grows with a rounded habit to 4-8 ft. tall and wide (120-240 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Infrequent to regular waterings. Drought tolerant once established.
• Plant in shrub borders, wall-side borders, Mediterranean gardens, city gardens, or containers.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and glasshouse whitefly.
• Blooms in summer and late fall on the previous or current year’s growth. Will need little pruning. Prune lightly in mid-late spring, removing unsightly shoots as required.
• Propagation: Root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
• Native to southwestern Australia.