Hibiscus Syriacus Blue Chiffon

Hibiscus Syriacus Blue Chiffon or Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon, is a stunning addition to the late-summer landscape. This double blue hibiscus has earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Bred here in the UK and introduced in 2007, Hibiscus Syriacus Blue Chiffon is a more compact shrub than older hibiscus cultivars. Be patient in spring while waiting for it to leaf out, for its foliage will not emerge until late May. The medium green leaves form a pleasant backdrop to summer blooms until the plae lilac flowers explode in late July and continue non-stop until October. Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon is particularly notable not just for its blue hues, but for the ruffled inner petals creating semi-double blooms up to 15 cm across for an even more spectacular show! 

Hardy in most parts of the UK, even in severe winters, Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon will grow to a mature height of 1.5-2.5 metres and spread of 1-1.5 metres in 10 to 20 years. If desired, prune in spring by cutting back last year's growth and taking out a quarter of older stems back to the base to ensure healthy new growth and the best flower show. Plant Hibiscus Syriacus Blue Chiffon in full sun in a sheltered position with a south, east or west facing aspect. This drought-tolerant shrub will do best in an alkaline to neutral free-draining soil. Tolerant of both salt and pollution, Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon is equally well-suited to inclusion in coastal or city gardens, but will need protection from deer in country locations. 

The long-lived late summer flower display and compact size makes Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon a great choice for container planting on a roof terrace or patio, where it can be moved to a position of prominence when the blooms start in late July. In a courtyard setting, it will create a stunning show in season. At the back of a mixed border, Hibiscus Syriacus Blue Chiffon will stay in the background while the blooms of spring and early summer occupy the stage, before assuming a starring role as autumn approaches and other plants fade. It’s also a great choice for planting in a mixed hedge with earlier flowering shrubs for a long season of blooms as well as privacy.

Hibiscus Syriacus Blue Chiffon will bring three months of stunning blooms to your garden, with little required in the way of maintenance, making it a beautiful and carefree choice! For more varieties in the Chiffon series, see also Hibiscus Syriacus Lavender Chiffon, Hibiscus Syriacus Pink Chiffon, Hibiscus Syriacus China Chiffon and Hibiscus Syriacus White Chiffon.