Varieties of Rose of Sharon
Often called hibiscus, rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a semi-hardy perennial that produces many flowers each summer on bush-like plants that grow about 8 feet to 12 feet high and spread 4 feet to 10 feet wide, depending on the variety. In addition to the well-known red varieties, rose of Sharon also comes in white, pink and purplish colors. Many of these hybrids retain the red hibiscus gene in the form of a red eye in the center of the flower. Rose of Sharon makes an excellent potted plant for decks or patios, and some homeowners train them into a tree-like standard. It will die down to its roots in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 8 and colder, but will remain green all year in zones farther south.
White Varieties
If pure white flowers are your choice, choose the double-flowered variety Admiral Dewey. For smaller, single flowers, grow the variety Cicola, whose flowers are white with a red eye.
Pink Varieties
Pink varieties of rose of Sharon are a delicate, clear pink. The variety Gussie has double pink-white flowers with a red eye. Hamabo is another variety that retains the hibiscus red eye. Its large, single flowers are pale pink surrounding the red eye.
Purple Varieties
Many newer cultivars of rose of Sharon have a purplish cast to their flowers. Collie Mullens is a double-flowered variety with smallish purple-red flowers with a red center eye. For a single-flowered purple variety, grow Mauve Queen. Its flowers are dark pinkish purple with a trumpet-like appearance.
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