Hibiscus syriacus ROSSO - Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus Rosso is a recent variety of Mauve tree that forms a well-branched bush of medium size, with a beautiful pink flowering with a Bordeaux red heart. This generous bush is in bloom from July to October, as long as the weather is mild, and it withstands our winters despite its exotic appearance. It deserves a prominent place near the house, in the centre of a perennial bed, or even within a diverse hedge. Hibiscus syriacus is easy to grow in non-scorching sun or partial shade in warm climates, in a soil that remains slightly moist, even limestone, under all climates.

Hibiscus syriacus, sometimes called Garden Hibiscus, is a hardy deciduous bush in our climates, but evergreen in warm climates, belonging to the Malvaceae family, just like the hollyhocks and marshmallows. The Hibiscus genus includes both tropical shrubs or small trees, such as the well-known Hibiscus rosa-sinensis or the rarer H. schizopetalus with intricately laced flowers like Calais lace, perennial plants like H. moscheutos whose flowers of certain varieties can reach 25cm (9.8in) in diameter, and H. syriacus, a hardy bush even in colder regions. It is native to temperate regions of Asia and has given rise to numerous cultivars, including this lovely variety Rosso.

Hibiscus Rosso is part of a complete range (Azzuri, Bianco, Cielo, Pastello) selected for its abundant flowering and ease of cultivation. Rosso has an upright, bushy, and dense habit, reaching a height of no more than 2.20m (7ft 2in) with a spread of 1.50m. Its foliage is well-filled, fairly dark green, slightly glossy, and finely cut along the edges. Flowering starts in July and continues until September-October. Each flower only lasts for one day, but they are produced in large numbers on the branches. This Rosso variety offers corollas of 8-9cm in cups of a tender pink, with a Bordeaux red macule stretching into fine streaks that extend outward.
This bush is easy to grow, tolerating most soils, especially limestone soils, provided they are sufficiently deep. It appreciates being watered from time to time in summer but can withstand dry periods when well established. Its leaves may then tend to turn slightly yellow, detracting from its beautiful ornamental appearance. This bush resists temperatures of around -15 °C, in well-draining soil.

Hibiscus Rosso, truly charming, is not a delicate and capricious plant. It can be grown in all our regions, especially in small gardens. Create flower beds that bloom all year round by associating it with shrubs that flower at a different time than it does. To enchant winter and early spring, go for Daphne 'Perfume Princess', a fabulous shrub with extremely fragrant candy pink flowers from January to April. The Coronille des jardins (Coronilla emerus) will take over with its butterfly-like flowers in bright yellow from April-May to July, which will precede those of our Hibiscus. And to accompany it until autumn, plant a clump of Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) at its base, a beautiful perennial with rose-purple flowers from July to October.