Blue Hibiscus Plant: How To Grow and Care for Alyogyne Huegelii

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The “blue Hibiscus” botanical name Alyogyne Huegelii [Al-ly-oh-GY-nee, Hew-GEL-ee-eye] is a gorgeous evergreen shrub belonging to the Malvaceae family (we call Hibiscus) and is a native to Western Australia.

These Australian plants prefer the coastal shrubland’s sands. It produces big flowers which bloom almost all year long.

Flowers of the Blue Hibiscus -  (Alyogyne huegelii)Pin
Blue Hibiscus (Huegelii Alyogyne)

The purple Hibiscus plant barely requires any water or maintenance, making it ideal for beginners.

The common names for Alyogyne Huegelii include:

  • Blue Hibiscus
  • Lilac Hibiscus
  • Australischer Blauer Hibiscus
  • Hibiscus Huegelii

Alyogyne Huegelii Blue Hibiscus Plant Care

Size and Growth

The blue hibiscus flower has a steady, upright growth habit and typically grows 6’ – 10’ feet tall and equally wide.



It has narrow, medium-sized dark green leaves.

In certain areas like Phoenix, the growth rate of this plant is accelerated by providing it with supplemental water.

Its leaves produce open foliage with three to four deep lobes with strongly veined and irregular margins.

Blue Hibiscus Tree Flowering and Fragrance

The Lilac lavender Hibiscus produces beautiful flower colors greatly resembling the flowers of the original Hibiscus.

It’s best to prune the plant regularly for optimal flower growth.

The blue flowers of this plant are not blue as indicated by their common name but are often purple flowers, mauve, pink, cream, white, or lilac.

The petals of this plant overlap slightly and have five-star pistils with yellow anthers.

Its bloom time is usually during the early spring season.

Light and Temperature

This Australian native loves the full sun, so place it in a location with good sun exposure. We’ve taken care of that with a better pot and rich soil. Keep the plant in indirect sunlight for 3 to 7 days. 

It grows wonderfully in a sunny garden. However, it also grows well in partial shade.

This plant’s USDA zones of hardiness are 5 – 8.

Hibiscus Blue Watering and Feeding

The Hibiscus Huegelii rapidly grows without the need for much water. It requires low to moderate watering once established.

Due to its average water requirement, it is suitable for drought-tolerant areas.

Water it regularly in the summer months, but avoid overwatering.

Soil and Transplanting

This plant is tolerant to almost all soil types but grows best in sandy, light, well-drained soil with a proper drainage system.

To help your blue hibiscus grow tall and strong, pay close attention to the type of soil you plant it in. You don’t have to go overboard here, but quality matters.

To check for soil moisture, use your finger or a hand trowel to dig a small hole and examine the soil. If the first 2-4” (5-10cm) of soil is dry, it is time to water.  

Alkaline or clay soils are ideal but grow well in acidic soil without supplemental fertilizer.

Make sure to add mulch around the root zone to maintain a cool soil temperature during the summer and to protect the roots from freezing during the late winter.

Grooming and Maintenance

It’s best to regularly prune Alyogyne Hakeifolia, especially the mature shrubs.

Severe pruning of Hibiscus in the late summer season will not prevent spring growth but instead gives the plant an attractive shape.

While these plants are drought-tolerant, it is ideal to water them regularly to encourage more blooms.

It’s rather easy to take care of when planted in a sunny spot but protected from strong winds.

It is best to start with a small plant, and within a year, several shrubs will grow into much larger plants.

The shrubs are easily transplanted while young.

Related: Rose of Sharon Care – Hibiscus Syriacus

How to Propagate Alyogyne Huegelii

The propagation of this plant is successfully done through seeds and cuttings.

The seeds must be planted indoors before transferring to their permanent location before the last frost.

  • Collect the pods of the plant, but make sure to allow them to dry before opening them up to collect the seeds.
  • Plant the seeds and cuttings in well-draining soil, and follow the usual precautions required for young plants to help the roots become stable.
  • Once ready to plant outdoors, ensure the hole is half the height and twice the width of the container.
  • Plant the root ball at the level of the ground and use a soil mixture of equal parts soil amendment and soil.
  • Be sure to backfill the hole using the amended soil.
  • Water regularly until new growth is witnessed, and then reduce the amount of water.

Hibiscus Huegeliii Pest or Diseases

The compact Lilac Hibiscus shrub doesn’t face significant disease or pest issues.

However, it is best to be on the lookout for hibiscus aphids and scale bugs as these create problems for the plant, especially on the central and southern Californian coast.

Ensure the right precautions are taken to eliminate the pest without damaging the plant.

Blue Hibiscus Uses

This flowering shrub looks wonderful in Xeric and Oasis landscape gardens.

Its big colored flowers look striking against an open and sparely branched canopy.

This short-lived, evergreen, tender shrub looks great as a small patio tree in raised planters and large containers in well-drained soil.

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