Hibiscus paramutabilis

The Hibiscus paramutabilis is a beautiful shrub that can grow over 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) in all directions. It is less popular than its cultivated cousin, Althaea, but equally abundant in flowers from summer to the first frost and is hardy enough to withstand temperatures as low as -15°C. Its lovely flowers are white to pink, sometimes entirely pink, with a stunning carmine red spot in the centre. The plant has larger foliage than its cousin, which is light green and slightly downy. In the garden, this hibiscus is as sturdy and accommodating as its close relative. It is easy to combine in a flowering hedge or border, growing effortlessly in the sun and in ordinary but deep and well-drained soil.

The Hibiscus paramutabilis is a deciduous bush in central China belonging to the Malvaceae family. It grows between 500 and 1000m (1640 ft 5 in and 3280 ft 10 in) above sea level. In nature, it can reach 4m (13 ft 1 in) in all directions, but in our gardens, it will usually peak at 2.50m (8 ft 2 in). Its branches are large, slightly arched, and support a bushy, open, and somewhat loose habit. The plant has moderate growth, and its deciduous palmate leaves have 3 to 7 lobes with toothed edges and are covered with sparse down. The plant produces short-lived flowers from July to October that wither in 24 hours. However, more flowers are produced if the weather remains mild. They are single, solitary, 12 to 20cm (4.7 to 7.9 in) wide, and come in shades of pink and white, depending on the plant. The flowers are arranged around a carmine red throat and carried by pedicels 2 to 4cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) long. The fruits are oblong capsules covered with down.

The Hibiscus paramutabilis grows well in the same conditions as the Althaea and serves the same purpose in the garden. It thrives in bright, warm areas but can handle some light shade in southern regions. This low-maintenance hibiscus grows slowly but steadily during the first few years. It's best to plant it in a protected spot with soil that stays somewhat moist until the end of summer. It can be used in a medium-sized hedge, in combination with other hibiscus of different colours, botanical roses, or buddleias, as a standalone plant or at the back of a perennial border composed of daylilies, asters or shrubby salvias.