Alyogyne, Blue Hibiscus 'Swan River'

Alyogyne huegelii ‘Swan River’ BLUE HIBISCUS Medium purple blue, darker than the "regular old trade form," which is actually the va...Read Moreriety ‘Santa Cruz,’ but not as dark as ‘Monterey Bay.’ Has better form than either, more compact and denser foliaged, and the flowers are thicker textured, somewhat fuller, and with a conspicuous overlapping “propeller” form. This variety is close to the form found in nature (or rather, formerly found in nature) near Moora, Western Australia. In fact, this form is probably the result of that Moora form crossed with ‘Santa Cruz,’ as is ‘Monterey Bay.’ During the deep drought of 1977-78, the Arboretum at UC Santa Cruz had a severe deer problem, resulting in the continual browsing of the young growth of the Alyogynes growing there. The plants developed into beautiful, dense, dome shaped shrubs covered with purple flowers. Prune constantly and don’t worry about removing buds - there will be plenty more! At the very least cut it back twice a year. Sun to part shade, little or no summer watering when established. Best with good drainage, but will tolerate relatively heavy soils if summer watering is infrequent. This plant will be killed by temperatures between 20-25°F and will probably be cut to the ground by 25°F for more than a single night. From UC Santa Cruz. Western Australia. Malvaceae.
Description is from Luen Miller of Monterey Bay Nursery, my employer. Keith Miner

I am trying to grow this plant in Naples, Florida. Given our prolonged drought, I thought that I might have a chance. I got my start via ...Read MoreeBay from Hawaii, and my plant keeps growing taller every day...however, the flower buds keep dropping off. Also, and I have not noticed this anywhere else in the plant literature, the plant's leaves adjust and follow the sun all day, and at night, tend to go "limp". They look tired and floppy at night, but by morning are again waiting to catch the rays. I have seen all these beautiful photos of the flower...I just hope to see one some day. Bob in Naples, FL

All the above ,flowers last longer than 1 day as usually written.deer love to eat it. Like having a Hibiscus with better hardiness.Has gr...Read Moreeat seed pods that are easy to get seeds from.Can be kept smaller in container.

This cultivar can get very leggy unless frequently pruned to get to put out more shoots from base to form a denser bush. Do not allow to...Read More sit in water, place in well drained area. This one cultivar has dark purple flowers that are are about 4 inches wide. In my zone 9, it will bloom all winter if mild. It also will survive limited frosts.