|Native to temperate and warm temperate
Eastern Asia, Hibiscus syriacus was apparently introduced to Asia
Minor and from there found its way into European gardens. Linnaeus
provided this species with the epithet syriacus, thinking it to be
indigenous to the Middle East.
Erect bushy shrubs that vary from 1
to 4 m (3 12 ft) depending on the variety. The leaves are glabrous,
usually tri-lobed. Flowers are solitary in the upper leaf axils on
short pedicels. To 15 cm (6 in) across, the colours vary from white,
light pink, reddish, purplish or bluish lavender, generally with a
large crimson splash at base of petals. Numerous horticultural types
with single, semi double or double blooms are known.
H. syriacus is hardy in most regions except for extremely cold
climates, and even here it probably can be grown in protected
situations. Surprisingly it appears to withstand the hot dry
conditions of inland districts as well as coastal conditions.
Although not as popular today as it once was, nor nearly as showy
as H. rosa sinensis types, it does provide an interesting alternative
to the more commonly cultivated flowering shrubs. The various
cultivars provide bloom through the summer and early autumn months, a
flowering period after that of most cultivated shrubs.
H. syriacus types do best in full sun in reasonably well drained
but moist soils. Unless the plants are pruned hard in winter (about
half), the flowers of older plants tend to be smaller. Like most
hibiscus they prefer to be planted on their own or with other
hibiscus, as they dislike competition from other plants.
Cultivation is the same as for the rosa sinensis types: namely
plenty of summer water and food. H. syriacus attract many insects,
particularly the notorious hibiscus beetle which conceals itself in
the double forms and causes damage to the blooms. Regular spraying is
essential during the flowering period.
|H. syriacus is easily propagated by
hardwood cuttings 10 - 15 cm (4 - 6 in) long taken in winter and planted
about 2.5 - 3.5 cm (1 - 1½ in) in a mixture of coarse river sand
and peat moss, preferably under glass.
A List of the More Popular H. syriacus Cultivars
'Alba Plena' Semi double pure
white with large crimson splash at base of petals. Flowers 5 - 7 cm (2
- 3 in) across. Low shrub. 1 - 1.5 m. (Plates 171, 172)
'Ardens' Semi double, soft lavender mauve with large crimson
centre. Petaloids in centre slightly paler. Flowers 6 - 9 cm (3 - 4
in). Medium shrub to 3 m (10 ft). (Plate 173)
'Coelestis' Single light violet, reddish basally with reddish
streaks to about the middle of petals. Flowers 5 - 7 cm (2 - 3 in).
Tall shrub to 4 m (12 ft).
'Hinomaru' Single, white with traces of rose pink on reverse.
Eye zone Indian lake with colour extending along veins to mid petal.
Flower diameter 9 - 10 cm (4 in). Low shrub.
'Lady Stanley' Semi double, very soft pink to off white, red
centre. Flower diameter 6 - 8 cm (3 in). Low shrub. (Plate 174)
'Mimihara' Semi double, white with splotches of pink on reverse
of outer petals. Eye spot crimson with colour extending to mid petal
along veins. Flower diameter 9 - 10 cm (4 in). Medium shrub. (Plate
'Oiseau Bleu' Single gentian blue, eye spot lilac purple.
Flower diameter 9 - 10 cm (4 in). Medium shrub.
'Ruber Plenus' Double reddish purple, fades rapidly in sun.
Flower diameter 5 - 7 cm (2 - 3 in). Low shrub.
'Sokobeni Yae' Semi double white with splotches of red on
reverse of petal. Eye spot cardinal red.
Flower diameter 8 - 10 cm (4 in). Medium shrub.
'Suminokura' Single magenta rose. Eye spot cardinal red. Flower
diameter 7 - 9 cm (3½ in). Low shrub.
'White Supreme' Semi double white, occasionally a few traces of
tyrian rose on reverse of petals. Eye spot crimson. Flower diameter 8
- 10 cm (3½ 4 in). Medium shrub.
'William R. Smith' Single pure white. Flower diameter 7 8 cm
(3½ in). Medium shrub.
'Woodbridge' Single deep rose to reddish wine, prolific. Flower
diameter 8 - 10 cm (4 in). Low shrub. (Plate 176)