Download Alyogyne series - Ramm Botanicals

Ramm Botanicals plant information
Alyogyne - native Hibiscus
Yes, we understand the need for botanical names, but whoever gave Alyogyne its name could have found one
that was a little less open to interpretation. The correct pronunciation is (apparently) Al-ee-o-gyne-ee. That’s
why people prefer to call it the native Hibiscus, even though it’s not a Hibiscus. Confused?
We have two forms of Alyogyne huegelii. The popular shrub called ‘West Coast Gem’ and the first plant
variety emanating from our association with Kings Park Botanic Garden. It’s a ground hugging Alyogyne that’s
called ‘Blue Heeler’.
Blue Heeler comes from the same species as West Coast Gem however Blue Heeler is a versatile, prostrate
form that’s a good choice for today’s smaller gardens. Apart from its compact form, you will really like the
flower colour. It emerges as a really dark purple with blue undertones and ‘fades’ to mid purple. Like Hibiscus,
individual flowers have a short life however both plants repeat bloom for many months in warmer weather.
Both varieties
have small leaves and are well adapted to handle salty wind and drought
conditions. They enjoy free draining soil and will work well in a hot, sunny
garden position.
Planting
Plant in full or part sun position with
well drained soils. Blue Heeler can be
used as a ground cover and is a nice
way to fill gaps in the garden. West Coast
Gem grows to around 2 metres tall and
can be used either as a feature planting or
integrate with other native or exotic
shrubs.
Blue Heeler
Watering
Both forms are used to a
Mediterranean climate (warm, wet
winters and hot, dry summers) but
West Coast Gem
adapt well to many parts of Australia,
especially coastal locations. Neither
plant should need any supplementary watering once established.
Fertiliser
Alyogyne are not especially phosphorus sensitive, so you needn’t necessarily have to use a native plant
fertiliser. Feed in autumn and spring with controlled release fertiliser to promote good plant health.
Pruning
There shouldn’t be any need to prune Blue Heeler unless you want to shape it. West Coast Gem is a naturally
neat plant, but if you do want to tidy it up, don’t cut it back too hard. Trim after flowering has ceased.
Pests and Diseases
You won’t have great problem here. Two Spotted Mites and thrips on the flowers in spring may occur. If this is
a problem, see your specialist plant retailer for advice on curative or preventative measures.
© Copyright Ramm Botanicals 2012
Issued by Ramm Botanicals 255 Pacific Hwy, Kangy Angy NSW 2258 Sales Department tel: +61 2 43512050 www.ramm.com.au