Hibiscus syriacus 'Dark Lavender Chiffon' - Dark Lavender Chiffon Rose of Sharon

An exciting introduction of this old-time favorite with semi-double, chiffon-like flowers all along the branches, in shades of deep, rich, lavender that really stand out; this is an upright shrub, perfect as a hedge or specimen; produces few to no seeds

Height: 12 feet. Spread: 8 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 5a.

Ornamental features

Dark Lavender Chiffon® Rose Of Sharon features bold semi-double lavender round flowers with violet overtones and scarlet veins along the branches from early to late summer. It has green deciduous foliage. The lobed leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape

Dark Lavender Chiffon® Rose Of Sharon is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

Recommended for: Accent, Mass Planting, Hedges/Screening, General Garden Use, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Dark Lavender Chiffon® Rose Of Sharon will grow to be about 12 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. To help this plant achive its best flowering performance, periodically apply a flower-boosting fertilizer from early spring through into the active growing season. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.