Three-coloured Hibiscus syriacus

The Hibiscus syriacus Tricolour combines three different varieties of Altheas in one pot, benefiting from a multicoloured flowering: white, pink, and mauve. This ball of flowers made up of the intertwined stems of these 3 bushes will be perfect in a decorative pot to enhance a terrace or balcony. Called Tree Mallow because of the shape of its flowers, Hibiscus syriacus is exceptionally accommodating, tolerating cold and heat and will reward you with a long period of summer flowering. 

The Hibiscus syriacus, or Garden Hibiscus or Tree Mallow, is a hardy, deciduous shrub in colder climates. In hot temperatures, it stays evergreen. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, which has more than 240 genera and 4200 species worldwide, except in very cold regions. This large family includes many ornamental herbaceous or shrubby genera, such as marshmallows or the countless hibiscus, and grand trees like the Lime or the Baobab with its massive trunk.

Hibiscus syriacus is a shrub from Asia, such as China and India. This shrub has produced many beautiful cultivars with flowers similar to the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, its tropical relative. The cultivars available on the market offer a wide range of colours. Tricolour is a plant that offers three vivid colours in one pot: white, dark pink, and mauve flowers. (Varieties vary depending on available stock.) Each flower features dark red macules at the centre, adding to their beauty. These large corollas bloom consistently throughout summer, creating a stunning sight. The deciduous foliage is healthy and turns yellow in autumn. The leaves are simple, heart-shaped, and lobed, with toothed and undulating edges. The flowers, 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) in diameter, are short-lived and last only 24 hours, but more are quickly produced. Tricolour is a unique plant with beautiful flowers and healthy foliage, making it a delightful addition to any garden.

The Tricolour Hibiscus is a robust plant that can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5 °F). It prefers full sun but can also grow in partially shaded areas in hot climates. It can adapt to most soil types, including limestone if planted in the ground. It only requires a few waterings in summer to support flowering and prevent leaves from prematurely turning yellow. However, a potted plant may need more frequent watering as it cannot draw water from deep within the ground. For best results, prune it reasonably short at the end of winter, ensuring that each variety is balanced to prevent one from dominating the others.

The Tricolour Hibiscus will be perfect for decorating a terrace or highlighting a curve in a path. Pair it with other potted plants, such as topiaries, like Ilex crenata Lingold, with its variegated evergreen foliage of bright yellow. In mild climates, Pittosporum tobira Nanum will also be a good companion; planted in a low pot, it will spontaneously form a compact ball with shiny green foliage, and its white spring flowering will charm you with its delicious fragrance. If you want to enhance the exotic aspect of your Hibiscus flowers, for example, plant it with a Dwarf Bamboo such as Shibataea kumasaca, with its wide and relatively short leaves, a beautiful bright green, which will form a lovely dense shrub.