Description Family Malvaceae. Originating from Western Australia. Large, open, hibiscus-like flowers appear in profusion. Soft lilac-pink petals surround exotic golden stamens. Easy to grow in hot sunny positions and in pots Lilac Hibiscus: The Perfect Patio Plant in Your Garden Airy and delicate, this small shrub has a show-stopping presence, yet is subtle and refined. Its slender stems, intricately cut foliage and pale, delicate flowers make a big impact all summer and into autumn. Its translucent, ethereal blooms are exquisite even as tightly furled buds, opening wide to reveal showy golden stamens. Reasonably hardy in mild southern and coastal gardens, Alyogyne huegelii ‘Santa Cruz’ grows to around 1.5 tall and wide. Its compact size and soft, delicate form make it ideal for patio placement on sunny city terraces in Norwich, Norfolk. The city microclimate suits it perfectly, as do milder seaside locations such as Suffolk’s house-adjacent patios and courtyards. Its papery petals overlap, giving the buds a spiral form, and the opening flowers a layered, ruffled look. As they fully open, their full colour range is revealed: from white-lilac at their centres to purple-pink at their edges. Its heavily lobed, furry, and strikingly veined foliage adds further interest, ideal for close-up viewing. Did you know? The petals of Lilac Hibiscus are edible and can be used to add a uniquely coloured garnish to salads. Growing Tips for Your Lilac Hibiscus Patio Plant, Alyogyne huegelii ‘Santa Cruz’ Soil and sun: very free-draining soil or compost; full sun is essential. Planting: from early spring to early autumn. Never plant a dry plant! Plunge for 10 minutes to drench the root ball before planting. Watering and care: in pots, water and feed bi-weekly in summer, seldomly in winter. Grow in conservatories or garden rooms year-round, or move to patios for summer display. Plant out only in southern and coastal gardens. Alyogyne huegelii ‘Santa Cruz’ is a selected form of the Western Australian native lilac hibiscus. It was chosen for its prolific flowering and compact habit. In British gardens, it brings a long season of colourful, hibiscus-style blooms to patios and conservatories, adding a touch of Australian sunshine to milder regions.
