Hibiscus syriacus Blanco - Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus Hibisa® 'Blanco' is a variety of althea from the excellent Hibisa® series, combining numerous qualities: it produces extra-large, highly contrasted flowers from summer to autumn, and the bush is easy to grow in the garden or in a pot. A spectacular, hardy, drought-tolerant variety!

Belonging to the Malvaceae family, Hibiscus syriacus, also known as althea or rose of Sharon, originates from the temperate regions of East Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Taiwan, where it grows wild on the edges of forests or along waterways. Introduced to Europe via the Mediterranean basin, it has given rise to numerous cultivars and hybrids. Crossed with Hibiscus paramutabilis, this species produces plants with exceptionally large flowers.

The Hibisa® Blanco cultivar belongs to the Hibisa® series, developed for its very large flowers and versatility. This deciduous bush can reach 2.5 m in height and 1.5 m in width at maturity when planted in the ground, and around 1.5 m in a pot. Its large, single white flowers with a carmine-red centre, which emerge from the axil of the leaves, measure between 16 and 20 cm. They bloom continuously from July to October. The foliage of the Hibiscus in the Hibisa® series is unusual and quite decorative. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stems; they are generally single but deeply lobed and finely toothed, sometimes almost ruffled. Each leaf consists of 3 to 5 deep lobes, with distinctly wavy or crinkled margins, giving a palmate appearance to the foliage. The leaves vary in size from 5 to 12 cm in length and 4 to 10 cm in width, with a slightly leathery texture and a colour ranging from bright green to dark green. The foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn and reappearing in spring, often late in the season, as is typical of all Hibiscus syriacus. A tap root system anchors the bush firmly and provides good drought resistance. The greyish stems, marked with lenticels, enhance its rustic charm.

Hibiscus Hibisa® Blanco is ideal for structuring a sunny flower bed, enriching a country hedge, or adding volume to a terrace. To create a dynamic and contrasting composition, pair it with a salvia ‘Amistad violet’ with very dark floral spikes and a Phormium ‘Sundowner’ with bronze-pink foliage. To enrich the floral palette, plant an Echinacea purpurea ‘White Meditation’ nearby. This combination will create an interesting scene in a contemporary or Mediterranean-style garden.