Hibiscus syriacus Blue Chiffon - Rose of Sharon

The Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Chiffon' is characterized by its large flowers adorned with a pretty double heart, similar to the other altheas in the Chiffon series. This variety charmingly revisits the magnificent lavender blue colour of the 'Oiseau Bleu' hibiscus beloved by generations of gardeners. It is a deciduous bush with an upright habit, very floriferous from July to September, and even until October if the weather remains mild. It can be planted in a flowering hedge, a border, or in a large container near the house. A hardy plant, very easy to grow in the sun, in well-drained soil, even chalky, in all climates.

The Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Chiffon' belongs to the mallow family, and is an English horticultural creation by Dr. Roderick Woods. Its wild ancestor, sometimes called Garden Hollyhock, is a very hardy deciduous shrub in cooler climates, but evergreen in hot climates. It is native to temperate regions in Asia and has given rise to numerous cultivars including the 'Chiffon' series, with flowers that appear to be made of crepe and have a very double heart. The 'Blue Chiffon' variety is the lavender blue version with a red-veined throat of this charming collection. It is also distinguished by a medium size and particularly abundant flowering from July to September-October. This hibiscus forms a bush of about 1.75 m (5 ft 8 in) in height with a spread of 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) at the age of 10. Ultimately, it can reach up to 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) from the ground. Its upright habit is supported by an erect but branched vegetation. The flowers are large corollas with a diameter of 8-10 cm (3.1-3.9 in), which open on a finely cut, dark green, slightly shiny foliage. The leaves are lobed, ovate to lanceolate; their edges are toothed and undulate. They turn yellow in late autumn before falling and re-emerge quite late in spring.

The 'Blue Chiffon' Althaea thrives in bright, warm exposures and tolerates light shade. This Hibiscus requires no maintenance and takes its time to establish itself. Plant it sheltered from strong winds, in a soil that remains slightly moist until the end of summer. This tender and poetic creation can be used in a medium-sized hedge, in combination with other 'Chiffon' hibiscus in different colours, buddleias, abelias, as well as in isolation or at the back of a perennial border. Hibiscus pairs well with asters, shrubby lavenders, and shrub roses, for example. Its moderate growth allows it to be grown in a large container, in a nutrient-rich substrate, to fully enjoy its flowering on the terrace or balcony.