Hibiscus syriacus Lady Stanley - Rose of Sharon

The Hibiscus syriacus 'Lady Stanley', also known as Tree Mallow or Althaea 'Elegantissima', displays an abundant and long summer flowering with large crumpled bicoloured corollas measuring 6 to 9 cm (2.4 to 3.5 in) in diameter, particularly charming. Each flower, randomly tinged with pale pink on a white base, features a maculate red-purple heart surrounded by small frilly white petals. This bush is also distinguished by an upright and vigorous habit adorned with oval and lobed dark green leaves. Whether in a flowering hedge, flowerbed, or large container near the house, this variety is easy to grow in the sun, in well-drained ordinary soil, and even slightly chalky and periodically dry. It is resistant to both cold and heat.

The Hibiscus syriacus, also known as the Garden Hibiscus, is a deciduous shrub that is hardy in our climate but evergreen in warmer regions. It belongs to the mallow family, along with hollyhocks and marshmallows. This shrub is native to temperate areas of Asia and has given rise to many cultivars, including the 'Lady Stanley' variety, also known as 'Elegantissima'. It is known for its bushy and upright growth and blooms prolifically from July to September. The 'Elegantissima' cultivar grows slowly and forms a shrub 2 to 3 metres (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 10 in) tall and 1.50 metres (4 ft 11 in) wide. Its erect branching structure and large semi-double corollas bloom continuously, forming new flowers often. Its dark green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop, and the leaves are alternate, lobed, and oval to lanceolate with toothed and wavy margins.

Althaea, also known as Lady Stanley, thrives in bright and warm environments and can tolerate light shade in southern regions. This type of hibiscus is low maintenance and grows at a steady pace. It's best to plant it in a sheltered location away from strong winds, in soil that remains moist until summer's end. This highly feminine variety can be used as a medium-sized hedge. It can be combined with other hibiscus varieties of different colours, buddleias, abelias, or placed alone as a backdrop for perennial flowerbeds composed of asters, phlox, daylilies, gauras, or shrubby lavateras.