Hibiscus syriacus Sup’Bridge® - Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Sup’Bridge' ‘Minsyrou17’ is an improvement on the famous rose of Sharon 'Woodbridge'. This vigorous, deciduous shrub produces large purple-red flowers with a burgundy centre, which bloom generously from summer until the first frosts. Hardy and undemanding, it adapts to many climates and withstands urban conditions well. To enjoy a generous flowering, plant it in the sun in well-drained soil and prune it lightly at the end of winter. 

Hibiscus syriacus Sup’Bridge belongs to the Malvaceae family and is known by the common names rose of Sharon, Syrian hibiscus, or tree mallow. This cultivar is registered under the names Hibiscus syriacus ‘Sup’Bridge’®, ‘Minsyrou17’, or Hibiscus syriacus 'Paraplu Rouge'. Originating from a breeding programme led by Hortival Diffusion (France) in 2019, this cultivar improves upon the variety ‘Woodbridge’ by offering more vigorous growth, a more compact branch system, more abundant flowering and larger flowers of a deeper purple-red. 

The habit of Sup’Bridge is erect, branched and dense; its growth is medium to fast; it reaches 1.50 to 2m in height and 1 to 1.50m in width after 10 years. The foliage is deciduous, composed of alternate, dark green leaves with three coarsely toothed lobes, measuring about 6 to 10 cm in length. The large single flowers with five petals measure 10 to 12 cm in diameter. They are a dark purple to deep pinkish-red colour with a burgundy central eye and prominent pale yellow stamens. Each ephemeral flower lasts about a day, but the plant, which produces them continuously, puts on a generous show between early July and October, or even November, depending on the climate. The root system is taprooted and moderately running, sturdy but not invasive, suitable for container cultivation. This variety completely loses its foliage in winter. It tolerates temperatures down to −20 °C (USDA zone 6), prefers full sun, tolerates chalky soils and withstands moderate summer drought. 

Rose of Sharon 'Sup’Bridge' is a very beautiful shrub for a sunny garden, whether placed as a specimen, in the centre of a border or in a flowering hedge. Its generous flowering enlivens summer scenes and pairs wonderfully with white hibiscus, perovskias and artemisia 'Powis Castle' with its silver foliage. In a container on the patio, it becomes a small, architectural, colourful tree, perfect for a Mediterranean atmosphere. Also, combine it with small-leaved salvias or agapanthus to create a bright and long-lasting palette. In a more classic garden, it goes well with repeat-flowering shrub roses.

Tip: In regions with very dry summers, water your hibiscus regularly to support its flowering.