Hibiscus Syriacus (common name Rose of Sharon) is one of three types of hibiscus, the others being the hot climate loving Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis (common name Tropical Hibiscus) and hardy perennial hibiscus (or rose mallow) which dies back to the ground each year.
Hibiscus Syriacus Red Heart (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus Syriacus Rose of Sharon is the largest and hardiest of the three and grows happily in the UK in any sunny spot. Hibiscus Syriacus Rose of Shaaron are prolific bloomers and usually begin flowering in August and will continue to brighten up the garden right through to October. These are easy-going, low maintenance plants whose beautiful flowers are irresistible to bees and other pollinators. Hibiscus are adored by bees and other pollinators not least as they will flower right through to autumn.With their late arrival, the fresh new blooms will delight the bees, keen to try something new as other flowering plants, exhausted from flowering their hearts out through June and July, begin to wan.
Hibiscus Syriacus Rose of Sharon are deciduous shrubs that tend to get their new leaves rather late in the spring. They reach heights and widths of about 3 metres x 2 metres and can be grown either as a tree or shrub. You can shape Hibiscus as you wish. It can be pruned hard in early spring – which also encourages larger flowers.
Foliage is an attractive dark green and the flowers can be white, pink, lavender and blue, depending on the variety. Plant ideally in full sun as this produces the best blooms. August, while they are in flower, is the perfect time to choose your hibiscus. For tips on planting at this time of the year, read our Tips for Planting in Hot Weather.
Hibiscus Syriacus Oiseau Bleu (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus Syriacus Oiseau Bleu has an irresistible lilac purple flower and contrasting burgundy heart.
Hibiscus Syriacus Duc De Brabant
Hibiscus Syriacus Duc De Brabant (Rose Mallow) has deep pink double flowers.
Hibiscus Syriacus Woodbridge has single pink flowers with a deeper pink blotch at its centre. More pink Hibiscus Syriacus Rose of Sharon varieties include Hibiscus Pink Giant (Hibiscus Syriacus Pink Giant) a fast growing, hardy hibiscus with large pink flowers with a deeper pink centre against dark green foliage. Flowers from late summer through to autumn.
The very striking Hibiscus Syriacus Monstrosus produces white flowers that have a contrasting maroon centre while white flowering Hibiscus Syriacus Red Heart has a blood red centre. Lots more on Hibiscus the website including Hibiscus Syriacus Ardens for lavender tones.
Hibiscus Syriacus Monstrosus (Rose of Sharon)
The Chiffon series of Hibiscus Syriacus was developed by Dr. Wood, a breeder from Cambridgeshire, all of which have elegant, semi-double flowers composed of two rows of petals. These Chiffon Hibiscus are more compact growers than other varieties of hibiscus. Varieties in the Chiffon series include Hibiscus Syriacus Lavender Chiffon, Hibiscus Syriacus Pink Chiffon, Hibiscus Syriacus China Chiffon and the very lovely Hibiscus Syriacus White Chiffon.
Hibiscus Syriacus Marina (Rose mallow Marina)
Hibiscus Syriacus Marina is a fast growing, hardy hibiscus with dark green foliage and from late summer into autumn, large light-purple flowers.
White Hibiscus Syriacus Rose of Sharon varieties include Totus Albus
Hibiscus Syriacus Totus Albus is a vigorous, summer-flowering shrub with attractive showy white flowers and dark glossy foliage.
