Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus) Alyogyne huegelii
Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus) (Alyogyne huegelii) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Malvaceae family, native to Western Australia and South Australia. It grows 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) tall and 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western Australia and South Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus)
- How far apart should I plant Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft).
- Does Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus) flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks.
- Is Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Native lilac hibiscus (blue hibiscus). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- Big, silky, lilac-blue hibiscus flowers, each lasting a day or two, from spring well into summer, on a fast, open shrub with rough, lobed leaves. Prune lightly after flowering to keep it bushy.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
- Hollyhock Alcea rosea
- Tropical hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus
- Small-leaved lime (linden) Tilia cordata
- Cacao Theobroma cacao
- Durian Durio zibethinus
- Red silk-cotton tree (kapok) Bombax ceiba