Blue and purple are difficult colors to strongly represent in the garden. The rich purple, or dark blue as
some would have it, of this selection of Alyogyne huegelii, the blue hibiscus, draws in the eye. This
variety is darker than most. The petals are delicate enough so that it stretches the imagination as to how
they can stay unfurled. The plants prefer full sun and good drainage. They are surprisingly hardy and almost
always in bloom. I have had plants survive winters where the temperatures dipped into the low 20's. The plants are
native to Australia. Alyogyne Santa Cruz is a nectar source for the Painted
Lady Butterfly and a great addition to the butterfly garden.
