Hibiscus syriacus 'Minsygdrou02' POMPEI® Rose-of-Sharon

Not many growers specialize in breeding Rose-of-Sharon, so when someone devotes themselves to it purposefully and over the long term, they soon become recognized in their field. One such prominent research station is Hortival Diffusion in France — the new name for the Minier nursery, founded already in 1838 in Anjou. They have been working on hibiscus breeding since the 1960s, with Claude Bellion as the head of the breeding programme. Under his direction, large-flowered cultivars such as Pink Giant and Russian Violet (1970) were developed. His role was later taken over by Patrick Pineau, and as of 2025, the programme is coordinated by Pierre Chaussard. Thanks to their work, we can now enjoy improved older varieties like SUP’BRIDGE and SUP’HEART, the double-flowered French Cabaret® series, and the Chateau® series, which is currently gaining popularity mainly in the USA. New cultivars continue to emerge, and thanks to our longstanding partnership with the Minier nursery, we’re proud to present their latest innovations as they become available.

When you hear the name POMPEI®, most of us think of the famous Roman city that, centuries ago, was buried under tons of volcanic ash. Perhaps it was the image of glowing energy and the dramatic colours of an eruption that inspired the creators of this Rose-of-Sharon to choose a name that conveys the same intensity – its blooms shine from afar like a volcanic explosion, though this time only figuratively and entirely safely. They have a glowing raspberry‑pink hue and a diameter of up to 10 cm, placing this cultivar among the largest‑flowered within the species. The flowers are semi‑double – five large petals are enriched with a ring of smaller, stunted ones that partially conceal the pale cream‑coloured column with stigmas and stamens, typical of the mallow family (e.g., mallows or hollyhocks). They also cover a small red eye in the centre. The shrub grows at a moderate rate (20–30 cm per year) and reaches a height of 2–3 metres, maintaining an upright, densely branched habit. It was first introduced in 2024 and is protected under patent no. PP36672 from 2025.

It has very decorative leaves that are unique. They are shallowly lobed, palmate, mid to dark green and coarsely toothed. If they turn yellow in summer the plant manifests too much water at the roots. They are either overwatered or planted in too heavy soil where it has not established yet. 

Pruning is an issue that always gets me started here. Hard pruning leads to larger flowers, that's true, but also production of long, immature, flexible twigs. The only cut I recommend is such that rejuvenates old plans – prune it hard in early spring by 50-75 % and let it grow for another 10 years or so. Rose-of-Sharon is quite adaptable of soil type. It can take drought but does not look good if dry for too long. It loves moisture fully established plants thrive on occasional flooding in summer, but you cannot transplant it into standing water. Old plants dislike peat. Selective fertilizers enhancing flowering are convenient but not crucial. Place it in full sun only. Fully hardy to min. -27 °C (USDA zone 5) and not suitable for pots.

Last update 31-08-2025