Hibiscus syriacus Russian Violet II - Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus Russian Violet II (MINSYRU3) is a new variety of hibiscus that is even more ornamental than its predecessor, 'Russian Violet' (Floru), appreciated for its original violet-pink colour. The more vigorous shrub also has a more harmonious silhouette. It produces more flowers in summer, and its flowers are larger. They bloom abundantly throughout the summer on this selection that has a great impact in the garden without requiring much care in return. Like all hibiscus, it proves to be sturdy and accommodating, easy to combine in a flowering hedge or in a border. Provide it with a sunny exposure and an ordinary, even limestone soil, but one that is not too dry in summer in order to encourage flowering.

Hibiscus syriacus, sometimes called Rose of Sharon, is a hardy deciduous shrub in colder climates, but its foliage persists in winter in warm climates. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, just like hollyhocks and marsh mallows. It is native to temperate regions of Asia (China, India) and has given rise to many cultivars, including 'Russian Violet II', recently selected by Minier nurseries.

'Russian Violet II' is characterised by vigorous and regular growth, and abundant, brightly coloured flowers. This variety quickly forms a bush 2.25 m (7 ft 5 in) in height and 1.75 m (5 ft 8 in) in width on average, with an upright habit, supported by an upright but harmoniously branched structure. It usually blooms from the second half of July and lasts a long time if the weather remains mild. Its short-lived flowers, which fade in 24 hours, continually renew themselves until September. They are single and 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) wide, composed of petals in violet-pink with lavender reflections, speckled with garnet red at the base, arranged around a pure white central column composed of stamens and pistil. Its foliage is very healthy, dark olive-green, and slightly glossy. It turns yellow in autumn before falling. The leaves are alternate, simple, heart-shaped, and lobed; their edges are toothed and undulate.

Hibiscus 'Russian Violet II' appreciates bright, warm exposures. This hibiscus requires no maintenance and grows slowly but steadily in the first few years. Plant it sheltered from strong winds, in a soil that remains slightly moist until the end of summer. This attractive variety can be used in medium-sized free-form hedges, in combination with other hibiscus of different colours, botanical roses, mock oranges, lilacs, and butterfly bushes that will provide the fragrance it lacks. It can also be planted as a standalone or at the back of a perennial border composed of daylilies, asters, or shrubby salvias, for example.