An Australian shrub with large, silky lilac-blue flowers that look like hibiscus, though it is a close relative rather than a true hibiscus. It puts on its best show in late winter and spring, when blue flowers are hard to find.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It is fairly drought tolerant and grows noticeably better with regular summer water. It needs fast-draining soil; soggy ground shortens its life.
Pruning
Cut it back lightly after the spring bloom to keep it full. Without pruning it can grow open and leggy.
Wind and heat
It does best out of hot, drying wind. A spot with some afternoon relief keeps it looking fresher through summer.
How our designers use it
Cool-season color
Its blue flowers arrive when gardens and patios are most in use, from late winter into spring.
Blue and silver plantings
It pairs well with blue agaves, silvery shrubs and yellow perennials.
A seasonal accent
Because it can be short-lived, we place it where it adds color without anchoring the design.
Good to know
Around the pool
No thorns and fairly light litter. Spent flowers drop during the bloom season.
