Blue Hibiscus, Lilac Hibiscus, Purple Hibiscus, California Hibiscus (Alyogyne hu

Blue Hibiscus, Lilac Hibiscus, Purple Hibiscus, California Hibiscus
Alyogyne huegelii

That is a very beautiful plant. The flowers look almost true blue! I am not familiar with this plant; first time I ever heard of it. Wish I could be in California, too, instead of here in Missouri (aka Misery). Welcome to Dave's and thanks for sharing your gorgeous pictures with us.
Toxic

Wow, I have never seen this one before. What a beaut!!!!

WOW! Beautiful plant! Do you happen to have any extra seeds from this plant? I have never seen this kind before in my life! I would just LOVE to have one of these plants!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Toxic, rylaff, and sassytiger! The flowers look pretty blue in this picture, but they are actually bright purple. I've posted a picture below that shows it's true color in the sun. Sassy, I've been trying to propagate this, but have not had any success with seeds or cuttings as of yet. I don't think there are any more seed pods on this plant/tree, but I will check for you. I did recently learn that the seeds need scarification for successful germination. Here's a good link about this plant: http://www.meden.demon.co.uk/Malvaceae/Alyogyne/Alyogyne.html

Could you keep me in mind if you do get some seeds?

Sassytiger, I just checked yesterday for any remaining seedpods and couldn't find any left. I did get few this past summer but sent them to a friend over at GardenWeb. Remind me again this coming summer, and I will send you some.

Okay.

I planted one of these at my home in Southern California a few months ago and it is doing very poorly. I've been told it needs full sun by some and morning sun only by others (it gets full afternoon sun). The entire plant isn't very green, and some leaves are turning yellow and falling off. It isn't blooming as much as if was and is looking very "leggy." Any suggestions? I have tried iron and plant food. HELP!!

Queen, I have mine in a container. Mine is pretty leggy also, but I haven't pinched back or pruned the branches much either. I've trained mine into a tree form by removing all lower branches from the main stem. It is normal for these plants to shed leaves frequently. I just pick off the yellow leaves. Iron chelate and/or Epsom salt with watering should help make the leaves a darker green. I have mine in full sun, but part sun should work well also.

These are old posts; wondering if Clare or Queen can update? I was given one of these in summer 06, and it's finally blooming. Mine also is in a container and very leggy. On the files page, someone suggested aggressive pruning to make it lush, but I'm afraid if I cut back the way I'd like I'll just lose it.

1wish_n_well, I just ran across this thread sort of by accident and was no longer watching it. I have aggressively pruned, and mine came back just fine. Strategic pruning is probably best, pruning each branch down to 2-3 nodes. Yours might be leggy because it isn't getting full sun or isn't happy in a container. These get to be trees here. Mine is in the ground now.