Hibiscus syriacus 'DUC DE BRABANT'

Rose-of-Sharon deserves more attention for its abundant flowering in summer. These maintenance-free shrubs come from eastern Asia and are the inevitable ingredient of every summer garden which they highlight with a wide range of coloured flowers. There has been a number of cultivars available since its discovery. They have various bloom colours, shapes and sizes, as well as varigated leaves.

Duc de Brabant is a popular variety or Rose-of-Sharon with fully double flowers. They are medium sized, 5-6 cm across, purple red and come out in from mid July until last warm and sunny days of early autumn.

It has very decorative leaves that are unique. They are narrowly palmate, 3-lobed, 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 over-watered or planted in too heavy, water-logged soil that might cause serious problems. Hibiscus is a typical example of a plant where the borderline between favourably moist soil (which they need) and wet soil can be tricky. Our advice is: water it well when you plant it, mulch it well and let it be well. Only when you see the leaves are drooping water it again.

Pruning is not needed. The plant forms a nice and dense shrub on its own if grown in good soil. Only if you prefer larger flower size you can prune it hard by one half to two thirds of last year's growths. It will lose its shape but you will gain larger blooms. Older plants should be re-juvenated to keep the long branches from breaking or bending.

Rose-of-Sharon is quite adaptable of soil type. It likes moist but well-drained soil, medium fertile. Older plants dislike peat. Selective fertilizers for better flowering are convenient. Place it in full sun. Fully hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 18-08-2010