Hibiscus syriacus Starburst Chiffon - Rose of Sharon

The 'Hibiscus syriacus 'Starburst Chiffon' is a new variety of bush hibiscus from the 'Chiffon' series. This series combines the attractive and floriferous Althea with more or less double flowers of various colours. The 'Starburst Chiffon' offers abundant and long-lasting flowering throughout the summer. The flowers are large, pink corollas striated with beautiful crimson veins. They are adorned with a small crumpled heart of the same pale pink, sometimes striped with crimson. Like its sisters from the 'Chiffon' series, this variety shows moderate growth and has a very harmonious silhouette. This bush suits small gardens, large parks, flowering hedges or large containers near the house. It is easy to grow in well-drained, ordinary soil that is slightly chalky in all climates and requires full sun.

The Hibiscus syriacus, also known as Garden Althea, is a deciduous shrub that can survive in harsh climates but remains evergreen in warmer regions. It belongs to the mallow family, along with hollyhocks and marshmallows. It is naturally found in temperate areas of Asia and has given rise to various cultivars, including the 'Chiffon' series. The flowers of this series are made of crepe-like petals that form a very double heart.

The 'Starburst Chiffon' variety offers this charming family's most exotic and contrasting flowering. It is also distinguished by a well-balanced bushy habit, a moderate size, and abundant flowering from July to September. This althea forms a bush about 2m (6 ft 7 in) high on average with a spread of about 1.50m (4 ft 11 in). An erect but well-branched vegetation supports its upright habit. It offers large corollas measuring 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) wide, open on a finely cut, dark green foliage, slightly shiny. The leaves are alternate, lobed, ovate to lanceolate; their edges are serrated and billowy.

Althea, known as 'Starburst Chiffon', thrives in bright and warm environments. It can handle light shade in hot climates and requires minimal maintenance. When planting, ensure it is sheltered from strong winds and the soil remains slightly moist until the end of summer. 

This Hibiscus can be used as a medium-sized hedge and looks beautiful when combined with other 'Chiffon' hibiscus of different colours, abelias, buddleias, and other shrubby mallows. It can also be planted alone or at the back of a perennial bed composed of asters, phlox, daylilies, gauras, and other plants. 

Its modest size makes it ideal for growing in a large pot with fertile soil. This allows you to fully enjoy its flowering on your terrace or balcony.