Scientific Name
Hibiscus syriacus L.
Common Name(s)
Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Syrian Hibiscus, Syrian Ketmia, Rose Mallow
Synonym(s)
Hibiscus syriacus var. syriacus, Althaea frutex, Hibiscus arborescens, Hibiscus chinensis, Hibiscus floridus, Hibiscus rhombifolius, Ketmia arborea, Ketmia syriaca, Ketmia syrorum
Scientific Classification
Family: Malvaceae
Tribe: Hibisceae
Genus: Hibiscus
Flower
Color: Pink or white
Bloom Time: Summer
Description
Hibiscus syriacus is a hardy upright and vase-shaped deciduous shrub that grows up to 13 feet (4 m) tall, bearing large trumpet-shaped flowers with prominent yellow-tipped white stamens. The flowers are often pink but can also be dark pink (almost purple), light pink, or white. They are short-lived, lasting only a day. However, numerous buds produced on the shrub's new growth provide prolific flowering over a long summer blooming period.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 5a to 11b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Hibiscus should be moved outside in the summer, then back inside during the winter. Tips for a successful transition include: Trim the plant hard before moving it inside for the winter. It will go into near dormancy until late winter; After you trim it, before bringing it in, treat it thoroughly for insects. Neem oil and liquid detergent work well, or use a hose to blast off insects; Once inside, don't overwater, but provide as much humidity as possible, including daily mistings. Don't expose to blowing air from vents; When the weather warms above 50ºF (10ºC) at night, move it back outside and acclimate slowly.
Repot as necessary, yearly, or biannually. Hibiscus will grow into trees in their native habitats, but this may be unwieldy in a home setting. There's also some benefit to keeping the Hibiscus in a relatively smaller pot, as it will make for easier pruning and moving. Failure to repot these plants often can leave them in soil without adequate nutrients for their survival, and repotting will often spur on growth if you're finding that your Hibiscus plants seem to have stalled out. Watch out for falling leaves or other signs of stress.
See more at: How to Grow and Care for Hibiscus.
Origin
This species is native to India and much of Asia.
Links
- Back to genus Hibiscus
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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