Hibiscus syriacus Duc de Brabant - Rose of Sharon

The Hibiscus syriacus 'Duc de Brabant' is a beautiful variety of bush mallow that produces abundant blooms in shades of pink-red and blue-pink from July to September. This moderately growing shrub has a well-branched habit and can thrive in a small garden, a large flower bed, or a container near the house. The plant can easily grow in the sun and can tolerate ordinary soil, limestone, and occasional dry conditions in all climates. You can plant it as a standalone feature in the centre of a bed, in a flowering hedge, or any suitable location of your choice.

The Hibiscus syriacus Duc de Brabant is a horticultural selection derived from a bush that is sometimes called Garden Hibiscus, a very hardy plant, deciduous in our climates but with evergreen foliage in warm temperatures during winter. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, just like hollyhocks and marshmallows. Althaea is native to temperate regions of Asia and has given rise to many cultivars, including this variety, Duc de Brabant, with double flowers adorned with a heart of small crumpled petals.

The Althea Duc de Brabant has a bushy appearance, and within a few years, it forms an average-sized bush that can reach up to 2m (6 ft 7 in) in height, with a spread of approximately 1.25m. An erect but well-branched growth supports its upright habit. Each flower lasts only one day, but the plant blooms from July to September. The flowers are large corollas, measuring 9 to 11cm (3.5 to 4.3 in) in width, and they open against a finely cut, dark green, slightly glossy foliage. The leaves are alternate, lobed, ovate to lanceolate, and have toothed and wavy margins. The flower colour is a deep fuchsia-pink-red with blue undertones, veined with purple on the periphery, randomly variegated with lighter blue-pink at the heart, and featuring a central spot of very dark red. The plant is leafless in winter, and its new leaves appear late in spring.

The Althaea 'Duc de Brabant' likes bright, warm exposure and can tolerate light shade in southern regions. This Hibiscus requires no maintenance and takes its time to establish. Plant it in a sheltered spot away from strong winds, in soil that remains slightly moist until late summer. This charming shrub can be used as a medium-sized hedge in combination with other hibiscus varieties in different colours, with buddleias, abelias, lilacs, and other mock oranges. It will also look good as a standalone plant or at the back of a bed of perennials composed of asters, phlox, daylilies, gauras, or shrubby mallows. Its moderate size allows it to be grown in a large container, in a nutritious substrate, and by watering regularly to fully enjoy its flowering on the terrace or balcony.