Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana'

Malvaceae
Deciduous, Shrubs

HIBISCUS

Among the showiest flowering plants. Plants typically bear funnel-shaped blossoms, often with prominent stamens. The many species offer a wide range of flower colors.

Hibiscus syriacus

From eastern Asia. To 10–12 ft. tall and 6 ft. wide. Upright and compact when young, spreading and open with age. Easily trained to a single trunk with a treelike top or as an espalier. Sometimes kept trimmed as a hedge. Leaves to 4 in. long, often three lobed, coarsely toothed. Leafs out later in spring than most other deciduous shrubs; foliage drops in fall without coloring.

Blooms from mid- or late summer until frost, resembling a bush covered with hollyhocks. Blossoms are single, semidouble, or double, 1 1/2–3 in. across; some have a conspicuously contrasting red to purple throat. Single flowers are slightly more effective, opening somewhat wider, but they tend to produce many unattractive capsule-type fruits—which in turn produce many unwanted seedlings.

Easy to grow. Prefers heat, tolerates some drought. Prune to shape; for bigger flowers, cut back previous season’s growth in winter, cutting down to two buds. Where winter temperatures drop to –10°F/–23°C or lower, protect young plants with a winter mulch for first few years.

'Diana'

Pure white, extra-large flowers over a long period. Sets little or no seed, so seedlings are not a problem.