Maureen Gilmer
Family
Malvaceae
Botanical Name
ALYOGYNE huegelii 'Santa Cruz'
Plant Common Name
Blue Hibiscus, Santa Cruz Blue Hibiscus
General Description
Santa Cruz blue hibiscus is an evergreen shrub native to Australia. Cultivar ‘Santa Cruz’ flowers freely throughout the growing season with single, funnel-form, mauve to pale purple flowers borne in the leaf axils at the tips of the branches throughout the year in warm climates. Leaves are bright green, rough textured and irregularly lobed.
Santa Cruz blue hibiscus grows quickly, thriving in well drained soils and full sun. If plants are well mulched, little supplemental water is required. Prune back to produce a compact plant. In mild climates use as a border specimen or architectural accent or grow in a cool greenhouse and move outdoors in summer.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
3'-8' / 0.9m - 2.4m (6)
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Width
3'-8' / 0.9m - 2.4m (5)
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Australia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Lavender
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
