The type of flower known as the "blue hibiscus" is one of the most popular in the world. However, this flower is neither blue nor a hibiscus. This plant is actually a type of lilac, and has more of a purple color to it rather than blue. This flower is very popular in the state of California, as well as the country of Australia. Even though the plant that produces this flower is grown all over the world, it is most popular in these two areas.

Other Names

In Australia, this flower is known as the "west coast gem", whereas in the United States it is widely known as "Monterey Bay." This type of plant was previously part of the hibiscus genus. However, today it is no longer included among the 200 species of hibiscus.

Growth Habit

This shrub can grow up to and over six feet tall and just as wide. The only reason to grow this plant is for the flowers they produce, which will produce hundreds each season. The flowers themselves are fairly large measuring between three to four inches in diameter, which will bloom one to two days.

When the bushes are kept in a compact arrangement, the leaves are a very attractive sight when it is in foliage. The plant itself grows very fast, and must be pruned constantly. This is done primarily after its flowering period. This will ensure a very strong growth and increased longevity for the shrub.

This plant originated in the southern and the western parts of Australia. This is an ideal place for it to grow due to the fact that a sunny area with good drainage is the best place to grow these plants. This area will offer an ideal environment for this plant to thrive.

Hibiscus provides detailed information on Hibiscus, Hibiscus Flower, Hibiscus Plant, Hibiscus Care and more. Hibiscus is affiliated with Care of Orchids.

By: Kent Pinkerton
Hibiscus provides detailed information on Hibiscus, Hibiscus Flower, Hibiscus Plant, Hibiscus Care and more. Hibiscus is affiliated with Care of Orchids.

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Two Outstanding National Arboretum Introductions
Three different plants are commonly called Hibiscus - the tropical houseplant, the perennial rose mallow with dinner plate-sized flowers that dies to the ground each fall and the Rose-of-Sharon or shrub Althea. Rose-of-Sharons are easy-to-grow, tall flowering shrubs that will bring amazing color to your garden throughout the summer. Native to much of Asia, they thrive in the heat of summer. The USDA has introduced four cultivars of Rose-of-Sharon over the years. Two are unimpressive; two are outstanding - in our opinion the two best Rose-of-Sharon in existence: Hibiscus syriacus 'Helene' and Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana.'

'Helene' produces gorgeous, pure white flowers with prominent ruby red throats. 'Diana' produces waxy, pure white flowers.

Both are a vase shaped, multi-stemmed deciduous shrubs with a vigorous upright growth habit. They mature to a height of 8-12 feet by 6 feet wide and can be trained as a large shrub or a small tree. Both varieties produce flowers with broad overlapping petals of an unusually heavy waxy substance. Both are also virtually sterile so they produce no unwanted seedlings, which are the bane of the common Rose-of-Sharon. Sterility also causes these varieties to be unusually long blooming as they produce more flowers in a futile attempt to set seeds. The beautiful flowers are enhanced by the deep green glossy foliage - deeper green than I have seen on any other Rose-of-Sharon.

Either variety can be trained as a small tree or planted in masses as a screen. 'Diana' and 'Helene' are particularly attractive planted around a deck, patio or swimming pool - either in the ground or in pots.

Planting and Care

Plant in full sun; will grow and bloom in moderate shade.

Tolerant of a broad range of soil moisture conditions from moist to, once established, quite dry. Will not tolerate soggy soils.

Use a handful of Plant-Tone fertilizer in early spring.

If necessary, prune in spring before the leaves appear.

Rated as deer resistant.

Hardy in Zones 5 - 9.
By: Alan Summers
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Alan Summers, president of Carroll Gardens, Inc., has over 30 years experience in gardening and landscape design. He has made Carroll Gardens one of America's preeminent nurseries.

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