Hibiscus syriacus Red Heart - Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart' is an old variety of hibiscus that has become a classic in our gardens. From the beginning of summer until the first frost, this deciduous bush is adorned with large flowers of pure white with a beautiful dark red heart in the centre. Not very vigorous and of medium size, it is a cultivar that needs to be pruned every year and is especially suitable for flower beds and pots. The hibiscus is a hardy shrub that can be grown in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soils that are not too dry. It can even tolerate limestone soils.

Hibiscus syriacus, sometimes called Garden Althaea, is a very hardy, deciduous shrub. However, its foliage persists in winter in warm climates. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, just like mallows, hollyhocks, and marshmallow. It is native to temperate regions of Asia (China, India), and has given rise to many cultivars including 'Red Heart', an old selection from the breeder Gulf Stream Nursery (United States) dating back to before 1965.

Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart' is characterised by slow growth and an exceptionally generous flowering. This variety quickly forms a bush 2 m (6.6 ft) tall and on average 1.5 m (4.9 ft) wide, with an upright habit, supported by an erect but harmoniously branched framework. It usually blooms from the second half of July and lasts until early autumn if the weather remains mild. Its ephemeral flowers, which fade within 24 hours, continually renew themselves until October. They are single, 8 cm (3.1 in) wide, and composed of pure white petals with a heart mottled with dark red, arranged around a central column of pure white, composed of stamens and pistil. Its foliage is slightly glossy and of a dark olive-green colour. It turns yellow in autumn before falling. The leaves are alternate, simple, heart-shaped, and lobed; their edges are dentate and undulate.

'Red Heart' requires no maintenance; it grows slowly but steadily. Plant it in full sun, in soil kept slightly moist until the end of summer. This attractive variety can be used as a medium-sized free hedge, in combination with other hibiscus of different colours, wild roses, mock oranges, lilacs, and butterfly bushes that will bring the fragrance it lacks. It can also be planted as a stand-alone specimen or at the back of a perennial border, composed of daylilies, asters, or shrub salvias, for example.