Hardy Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs · Chapter 107Hibiscus
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HIBISCUS SYRIACUS (syn Althaea frutex).—Syrian Mallow. Syria, 1596. An old occupant of our gardens, and one that cannot be too freely cultivated. When favourably situated, it often reaches 6 feet in height, with three-lobed, neatly-toothed leaves, and with large, showy blossoms that are borne towards the end of summer. The typical species has purplish flowers, with a crimson spot at the base of each petal, but others, varying in colour from snow-white to purple and blue, are common in cultivation. H. syriacus coelestis bears bright blue flowers, while H. syriacus variegatus has beautifully variegated foliage. Of the double-flowered forms, there are several beautiful and worthy plants, the following list containing some of the best varieties of this popular shrub:—
H. syriacus albo-pleno.
" amaranthus.
" amplissima.
" ardens.
" caerulea plena.
" carnea plena.
" De la Veuve.
" elegantissimum.
" fastuosa.
" Lady Stanley.
" Leopoldii.
" lilacina plena.
" paeoniaeflora.
" puniceus plenus.
" rosea plena.
" spectabilis plena.
" violacea.