Alyogyne hakeifolia (Red-centred Hibiscus)

A.hakeifolia is a medium, much-branched upright shrub reaching about 10Ft in height. The leaves are dark green, glabrous, comprised of very narrow linear segments. The individual lobes make the foliage 'needle-like'. The plant produces an abundance of blooms each season. There are mauve, yellow and pink forms. Like its relative, Hibiscus, the individual flowers last only 1-2 days but new flowers continue to open over a long period, generally from November until March. The blooms are 2" to 6" long, tubular in shape, not opening widely and they usually have a dark red central spot. As A.hakeifolia is a desert plant, it is well suited to a warm, dry climate. It is intolerant of bad drainage but is adaptable and sufficiently hardy in cool moist climates such as south-eastern Australia. It is less hardy than Alyogyne huegelii in climates such as the subtropics with wet summers. A well-drained sunny spot is ideal although plants will grow in semi-shade. Plants perform best when they receive sunlight for most of the day and have some wind protection as large plants are subject to wind damage. The plant may develop into a well-shaped shrub without any need for pruning but it can be pruned to improve the shape if desired. A.hakeifolia tolerates mild frosts but some protection may be required from heavier frosts. Propagation from seed is relatively easy and no special pretreatment is needed. Cuttings also strike readily.