Hibiscus syriacus Eléonore - Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Éléonore' is a recent variety with good vigour compared to other white-flowered varieties. This beautiful variety is also very floriferous, offering large single, pure white flowers from July to September. If the weather is mild, the flowers will continue blooming into autumn. This bush is not afraid of cold, limestone, or dry soils once well established. Easy to plant with other shrubs to create a flowery hedge or a border, it is really easy to grow in the sun, in all regions.

Hibiscus syriacus, sometimes called Garden Hibiscus, is a hardy deciduous shrub in our climates, but evergreen in warm climates. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, just like hollyhocks and marshmallows. It is native to temperate regions of Asia (China, India), and has given rise to numerous cultivars including 'Éléonore', which stands out for its healthy and vigorous growth, and abundant single flower blooms. 'Éléonore' forms an upright bush 2 m (6.6 ft) tall and 1.50 m (4.9 ft) wide, with erect branches. It is of fairly rapid growth. It blooms for a long time if the weather remains mild, and its ephemeral flowers that fade in 24 hours are continuously renewed until October. They are 10 cm (3.9 in) wide, and composed of pure white petals arranged around a white throat. Its foliage is very healthy, bright green, slightly shiny, and turns yellow in autumn. The leaves are alternate, simple, heart-shaped and lobed; their edge is toothed and undulate.

'Éléonore' appreciates bright, warm exposures, and is satisfied with a light shade in warmer regions. This hibiscus requires no maintenance, and grows slowly but steadily in the first few years. Shelter it from strong winds and plant in soil that remains slightly moist until the end of summer. This ornamental variety of great value can be used in a medium-sized hedge, alongside other hibiscus with different colours and buddleias. It works well as a standalone plant or at the back of a perennial border composed of dwarf conifers, asters, or shrubby salvias for example. Its modest size allows it to be grown in a large pot and in a nutrient-rich substrate, so you can fully enjoy its flowering on a terrace or balcony.