Alyogyne huegelii

Alyogyne huegelii is also known as the Australian Blue Hibiscus due to its origins, its relationship with hibiscus, and the bluish reflection that paints its delicate mauve flowers. Quickly forming a beautiful bushy shrub, this plant is recognisable by its crisped and rough foliage reminiscent of certain scented geraniums. Its flowering is endless, extending from late spring to the end of summer. Originally from arid regions of Australia, it is a good plant for dry Mediterranean gardens, resistant to water scarcity once established, but sensitive to heavy frost in wet soil. Gardeners in more continental climates should cultivate this delightful plant in pots on the terrace or balcony, to be stored away in winter.

Alyogyne huegelii, formerly known as Hibiscus huegelii, belongs to the family Malvaceae, just like shrubby mallow and hollyhocks. It is native to the west and south of Australia, regions that are almost arid, even hotter and drier than Europe's Mediterranean region. It can be found growing on the coast, often in sandy soils. Quite accommodating, the blue hibiscus tolerates clay, limestone, granite, but absolutely requires a well-draining soil where water does not stagnate, both in winter and summer. It is capable of withstanding short frosts of about -8°C (17.6 °F) if the soil is dry in winter. In slightly wetter soil, it will perish at -5 or -6°C. Its growth habit is bushy and its foliage will persist more or less depending on the severity of the winter. In nature, this Hügel's alyogyne can exceed 3.50m (12 ft) in all directions.

Growing very rapidly, this bush reaches a height of about 1.50m (5 ft) in just a few months, with an almost equivalent spread in open ground. In a pot it will remain slightly smaller, about 1m to 1.20m (3 to 4 ft) in all directions. Flowering takes place from May-June to September, often as early as April in warmer regions. Each flower, about 12cm (4.5 in) wide, is composed of 5 light mauve petals that slightly overlap, arranged in cups that never fully open. The center of the corolla, dark purple in colour, is occupied by numerous short stamens with yellow anthers, surrounding 5 longer and partially fused styles. Like all plants in the Malvaceae family, the flowers do not live more than a day or two, but are produced continuously for nearly 4 months. Insect-pollinated flowers give way to fruits in 5-lobed capsules containing seeds. The abundant foliage consists of leaves 5 to 7cm (2 - 3 in) long, thick, downy, and rough, divided into 3 to 5 irregular lobes, with a crisp appearance and bright green colour. To maintain a compact shape, we recommend pruning it in March, but also lightly during the season. This Alyogyne is a short-lived plant, lasting about 8 years.

Alyogyne is primarily a plant for dry soil that should thrive in Mediterranean gardens, which are dry in summer but often in winter as well. To preserve it, it must be sheltered from cold winds, on a slightly arid slope, in a large rock garden, or in a raised bed enriched with gravel, and its base must be protected from water in winter with a thick mulch. These conditions are also suitable for cistus, rosemary, Westringia, Sphaeralcea (ambigua, Childerley), Melaleuca nesophila, and other large lavenders (Lavandula (x) allardii, L. (x) Devantville), with which this blue hibiscus will create superb combinations. Cultivating it in a large pot presents no difficulties and allows the plant to be sheltered in winter in a bright, unheated room, with greatly reduced watering.