Hibiscus syriacus Ultramarine Minultra - Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus Ultramarine is a decorative shrub with an upright habit and late summer flowering. From July to September, this very floriferous shrub provides us with large solitary or paired flowers. These trumpet-shaped flowers are lavender-blue, with a maculate and striate purple centre. These large flowers measure 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter and have white stamens.

The deciduous foliage of the garden hibiscus is up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long and is dark green, turning yellow in autumn. Hibiscus syriacus Ultramarine is a more vigorous variety than others. It is also very hardy. When mature, it can reach a height of 1.5 to 2.5 m (4 ft 11 in to 8 ft 2 in).

Nicknamed Althea or Tree Mallow, this hibiscus can be grown as a solitary plant or in groups. It can be found in rock gardens, as a free hedge with deciduous flowering bushes to extend the flowering season of hedges, or in borders with large perennials or grasses.