Hibiscus syriacus Flower Tower White - Rose of Sharon

The Hibiscus syriacus 'Flower Tower White' is a variety of hibiscus that stands out for its narrow and columnar habit, well suited to contemporary gardens and small spaces. This beautiful bush produces white flowers that are single to semi-double, often adorned with a few small petals in the centre. They continuously bloom from the second half of summer until early autumn. Whether used as a flowering hedge, in a flower bed, or in a large container near the house, this hardy bush is easy to grow in ordinary soil and full sun.

The Hibiscus syriacus Gandini van Aart or 'Flower Tower White', recently selected in the Netherlands, comes from a botanical species sometimes called garden hibiscus or tree mallow, which is hardy and belongs to the mallow family. The Hibiscus syriacus is native to temperate regions of Asia and has given rise to many cultivars, such as the famous hibiscus Oiseau Bleu or Woodbridge. This bush is adapted to limestone soils and heat.

The 'Flower Tower White' hibiscus is a slow-growing bush that can reach up to 4.50 m (14 ft 10 in) and a width of 1.20 m supported by ascending branches. At the age of 10, it will measure approximately 3m (9 ft 10 in) in height and 80cm (31.5 in) in width, depending on the growing conditions. The flowering season usually starts in late July and continues until early October. The flowers are about 7-8cm (2.8-3.1 in) wide, perfectly white, with a large central column of fused white stamens.  After flowering, multiple fruits appear and can be regularly removed to promote continuous flowering. The foliage forms a beautiful dark backdrop with slightly glossy, dark green leaves. The leaves are alternate, lobed, oval to lanceolate and toothed, with billowy edges measuring about 10cm (3.9 in) long. The deciduous foliage appears late in spring and falls in November.

Hibiscus have the advantage of flowering abundantly at a time when few shrubs are in bloom in the garden, in almost any soil and under any climate. The 'Flower Tower White' hibiscus likes bright, warm exposure and can tolerate light shade in warmer areas. This Hibiscus requires little maintenance and grows slowly but steadily. Plant it in a sheltered location away from strong winds, in soil that remains slightly moist until late summer. This compact selection can be used as a trimmed hedge, combined with other hibiscus in different colours, buddleias, and lilacs, as well as in isolation or at the back of a perennial bed.

In regions with cool and rainy summers, it is best to choose single-flowered hibiscus varieties as they bloom better in cooler temperatures than double-flowered ones.