The native hibiscus is an Australian native plant which has a beautiful mauve purple hibiscus-like flower and forms a medium sized shrub.
Plant Details
Common Name: Native Hibiscus, Lilac Hibiscus
Botanical name : Alyogyne huegelii
Best Climate: It will grow throughout most of Australia except the tropical north and the cooler mountainous areas.
Good Points:
- fast growing, reaching a medium height of 2-3m (7-10′) by about 1.5m (5′) wide.
- long flowering with beautiful large mauve hibiscus-like flowers
- bird attracting hardy plant
- growth habit and foliage similar to the tomato plant
Downside:
- may be difficult to find
Uses:
- as a colour feature in the garden
- amongst other bird attracting plants
Likes:
- a wide range of soils
- full sun to partial shade
- frost tolerant in most areas
- prune back hard after flowering
Availability
Alyogyne huegelii may be difficult to find but should be available from specialist native plant nurseries and will grow from cuttings or seed. A 15cm (6″) pot costs around $6-$8 and is available from;
Sydney Wildflower Nursery (West), Marsden Park, NSW. Phone: (02) 9628 4448
Kuranga Native Nursery, Ringwood, VIC. Phone: (03) 9879 4076
Zanthorrea Nursery, Maida Vale, WA. Phone: (08) 9454 4540