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Hibiscus syriacus

rose of Sharon

A medium to large, deciduous shrub up to 4m tall with an upright habit. Lobed leaves appear in late spring and large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, blue and white with conspicuous protruding tubes of stamens open in succession from midsummer into autumn

Other common names
althaea frutex
shrubby althaea
see moreSyrian hibiscus
Syrian mallow
Synonyms
Althaea syriaca hort.

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Pink Red White Green
Autumn Blue Pink Red White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus

Hibiscus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals or perennials, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and large, funnel-shaped flowers over a long flowering season

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews

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