Hibiscus syriacus Pompei - Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Pompei' is a captivating and original variety of Rose of Sharon, remarkable for its generous and prolonged summer flowering, featuring large semi-double flowers in a ruby pink. From July to October, this well-branched bush is covered in rich colours. It fits easily in all gardens, whether small or large, as a standalone specimen, in a flowering hedge or in a border, and even in a large container on a terrace. Hardy, undemanding and easy to grow, 'Pompei' thrives in the sun, in ordinary, well-drained soil, even slightly chalky or occasionally dry, and in most climates.

Hibiscus syriacus 'Pompei' is a horticultural cultivar derived from the species Hibiscus syriacus, belonging to the Malvaceae family. Known by the common names Rose of Sharon, shrub althea, or tree mallow, this deciduous bush is native to East Asia, mainly China and Taiwan. It was introduced to Europe via Syria. The cultivar 'Pompei', selected by Hortival Diffusion in 2023, is distinguished by its large semi-double flowers with a unique colour: between deep pink and raspberry red, with depth like a ruby, the precious stone. The veined petals of the flower capture the light and enhance the textural effect. This deep pink with red reflections leans slightly towards magenta, while retaining the freshness of an intense pink.

With moderate growth, Rose of Sharon 'Pompei' has an upright and erect, well-branched habit. In the ground, it reaches about 3 metres in height and 1.5 m in width at maturity, usually in 10 years. In a pot, its size is reduced, around 1.5 to 2 m in height. It maintains a compact silhouette. The grey to light brown stems are slender with smooth bark punctuated by lenticels. The deciduous leaves appear late in spring. They are alternate, single, oval to trilobed in shape, with toothed edges and measure between 5 and 10 cm long. The foliage is medium green, turning yellow in autumn before falling. The flowering of the hibiscus 'Pompei' extends from July to October. The flowers measure 10 to 12 cm in diameter with veined, crinkled petals with a velvety texture. The centre of the corollas is occupied by a cluster of small atrophied petals. The flowers are ephemeral, but the flowering is continuous thanks to the daily production of new flower buds. The rare fruits are brown, dehiscent capsules with five valves, measuring about 2 to 3 cm long. Hibiscus syriacus 'Pompei' is hardy down to -20 °C.

Hibiscus syriacus 'Pompei' appreciates sunny and warm exposures but can tolerate light shade, particularly in southern regions. It requires little maintenance once well established. This bush will reach its full potential in well-drained soil that remains a little moist at the height of summer. It is suitable for planting a medium-height flowering hedge, alone or accompanied by other shrubby hibiscus in varied shades, hedge butterfly bushes, fragrant lilacs or mock oranges. It also makes a striking statement as a standalone specimen, or in the background of a perennial border with plants like asters, phlox or shrubby tree mallows. You can also grow it in a large container, in a rich substrate, with regular watering to enjoy its sumptuous flowering on the terrace or balcony.