Alyogyne huegelii 'Santa Cruz' is a tall shrub from the Malvaceae family, native to Southern and Western Australia.
It is a fast-growing evergreen shrub, taller than wide, reaching 100/150 centimeters in height by 80/100 centimeters in width.
Its leaves are slightly hairy and have five lobes, about five centimeters long and dark green in color. Leaves very separated by quite long internodes. Its flowers, typical of the Malvaceae family, resembling those of hibiscus, are bell-shaped, purplish in color, with petals arranged in a fan shape and about 10 cm in diameter. Flowering occurs in late spring and well into summer, being very numerous and showy.
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone number 9, with an average annual minimum temperature range of -6.6 / -1.2°C. Resistant to mild frosts within Mediterranean climate intervals.
Its water needs are very low, especially once well-rooted, being able to withstand long periods of drought. If we provide occasional support irrigation during summer we will see its appearance improved. It is important to remember that the first 10-12 weeks after planting, establishment irrigation is necessary to ensure good rooting. We also recommend planting in autumn, this way we will have significant water savings.
Alyogyne prefers to be located in full sun, being therefore suitable for sunny sustainable gardens.
Regarding the most suitable soil type, it prefers well-drained soils, both clayey and sandy. It is undoubtedly a very suitable species for rock gardens and stony soils.
It is an appropriate species to be planted alone or together with other lower-growing shrub species, adding color to these beds.
As main care, it is advisable to perform light pruning after flowering to rejuvenate the aerial part of the plant. It is also possible to prune in late winter to preserve shape and avoid lignification of stems.
It is a highly recommendable plant that from Sala Graupera Nursery we advise you to try.