HIBISCUS SYRIACUS Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous shrub with an upright bushy habit, although it can also be pruned into a more tree-like shape.. It can be also grown as a hedge. It has large, red-centred, flowers of blue, white pale pink or double purple.all summer and autumn. Plants can be pruned to shape in early spring.
Hibiscus syriacus is a hardy hibiscus once established with a strong tolerance of drought and a long flowering from December to March. There is no need to dead head flowers as they are self cleaning and flowers drop off tidily by themselves. The Royal Horticultural Society have given various Hibiscus syriacus cultivars it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit. Hibiscus syriacus will tolerate almost any soil conditions; it will be happy in neutral, alkaline or acid pH levels, in loam, chalk, clay or sand based soils facing a sheltered, northern or east facing aspect. It is frost hardy once established. When plants are young protect by mulching in winter and wrapping in frost cloth. Plants attract pollinating insects such as butterflies and honey bees. Hibiscus syriacus requires little to no maintenance. Dead or damaged material may be removed in late winter to early spring. Also called Rose of Sharon. See You Tube for information of these hibiscus. 8 seed Sow indoors at any time. Prior to sowing soak seed for 1-2 hours in hot, not boiling, water. Sow 1-2mm deep into moist, well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 21°C. Germination takes 30-90 days approx. Even under ideal conditions germination can be erratic. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on. If planting out do so when well grown and after danger of frost has passed.