Blue hibiscus is a tropical evergreen that grows four to six feet high and wide. It has an open, bushy shape and lobed, hairy, dark green foliage. This fast-growing shrub produces prolific, showy, bluish purple, four- to six-inch blossoms. The blooms last one to two days and continue to flower profusely throughout the warm weather, starting in late spring and extending through early fall.
Blue hibiscus likes full sun to partial shade but prefers after- noon shade. It has average water needs, requiring deep, weekly irrigation or sometimes more during the hot, dry season. The plant does not like to be overwatered and needs little water in the winter. Once established, it is drought resistant. This shrub needs well-draining, acidic soil to look its best. It is hardy to twenty to twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit and needs to be protected from strong winds. Prune aggressively after it finishes blooming in winter to keep it dense and compact.
Use this exquisite, colorful shrub for tropical effects around pools and water features for its interesting flower show. This plant also grows well in containers, raised planters, and as a foundation plant in butterfly and hummingbird gardens. It is native to Southern and Western Australia where it grows along sandy, costal plains in sand, limestone, and clay soils.