The Native Hibiscus
One of the best flowering native plants is Alyogyne huegelii commonly called the ‘Native Hibiscus’. This is a purple flowering, small tree or shrub that grows well in many areas of Australia. With many named cultivars available, flower colour will vary, however always on the purple to lilac tones.
Grown for its free flowering nature, Alyogyne huegelii is a very adaptable plant, its natural range is from Western Australia to South Australia. However it grows well in all areas of Australia given a little care.
A small to medium shrub to 1 to 2.5m. Long leaves with pink to purple flowers (other forms exist, white and yellow). Flowers are short lived, similar to the Hibiscus but they repeat as does the hibiscus.
You will need a well drained soil and a sunny position, however given protection from heavy frosts it will grow well in cooler climates.
One of the popular cultivars is A. heugelii ‘West Coast Gem’ a fast growing shrub to around 2 – 3 m in height.
How To Grow the Native Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) – Basic Care
A drought tolerant plant the native hibiscus needs to be pruned to keep it in shape.
A well drained soil and a sunny position, but protected from wind. Mulch well and prune back after the main flowering period.
Fertilizer is generally not required, however a well drained position is essential.
We have found that the Native Hibiscus responds well to pruning, we have pruned our back hard after some storm damage and it responded well.
When first planting Alyogyne huegelii is best pruned regularly for the first 3 – 4 years, sacrifice a few flowers early on and you will be rewarded with more flowers and stronger growth.
Other Native Hibiscus Species
Australia has a number of plants that are commonly called Native Hibiscus so it is natural that a little confusion occurs over which plant is which.
Hibiscus splendens was one of the first to be discovered, and with masses of flowers in spring it is indeed a wonderful example, however a number of species claim the name of ‘Native Hibiscus’.
Some are evergreen shrubs to small trees, others such as the brilliant red flowering Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. tuberosus is more of a perennial that thrives in the tropical areas of Queensland and The Northern Territory and although known as the ‘Mash Mallow’ it does have hibiscus like flowers.
Hibiscus sturtii with white to pink flowers is found across New South Wales.
Lagunaria patersonii is an evergreen tree, primrose colored hibiscus like flowers, from Norfolk Island and Queensland.
So when we broadly call a plant ‘Native Hibiscus’ we may well be better to use the botanical name, as these plants differ greatly.
The five major species that are referred to as Native Hibiscus are:
- Hibiscus divaricatus A species from Queensland, The Northern Territory and Western Australia
- Hibiscus heterophyllus Also known as ‘Rosella’, found along the coast of New South Wales to tropical Queensland. Not as hardy as Alygone in cooler climates. Look for grafted varieties that use rootstock from plant in the southern natural range. Flowers range from white through to pink and yellow
- Hibiscus splendens Also known as the native hollyhock, this is another species from warmer climates, Northern New south Wales to Queensland
- Hibiscus tiliaceus This is a tropical to sub tropical species with large foliage, also known as the ‘Cotton Tree’. Flowers are commonly yellow.
You may also be interested in
- Alyogyne hakeifolia
- Waratah
- Banksia
- Callistemon
- Diplolaena grandiflora
- Veronica perfoliata (Diggers speedwell)
Native Hibiscus are available for sale from the following nurseries
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au