Hibiscus syriacus First Editions® French Cabaret™ Red (Rose of Sharon)

Hibiscus syriacus First Editions® French Cabaret™ Red (Rose of Sharon) is a vigorous, upright, deciduous shrub noted for its double red flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), that resemble carnations. Blooming for about 8 weeks from midsummer to early fall, each flower lasts about one day and stands out against the green foliage of maple-like leaves. A very useful, structural shrub for the back of the border. The flowers are sterile.

• Typically grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) with a spread of 4-7 ft. (120-210 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in neutral, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Protect the roots in winter with an organic mulch. Drought tolerant once established.
• Plant in shrub borders for dramatic summer blooms. Great flowering shrub for foundation plantings, hedges, city gardens, cottage gardens, wall-side borders.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies or powdery mildews. Deer resistant.
• Little or no pruning required. Prune to keep desired form in early spring. Pruning back to 2-3 buds in late winter may produce larger blooms.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by layering in spring or autumn.
• Hibiscus syriacus species is native to south-central and southeast China.