Hibiscus syriacus / Altea

Origin: From China to India

Botanical characteristics: It is an erect branchy deciduous shrub with ovate-rhombois The shape of the leaves can range from ovate-rhomboid to trefoil more or less toothed, dark green. It has beautiful and showy flowers which bloom from June to October. They are large bell-shaped, single or in pairs, at the axil of the leaf. They are dark pink and deep red in the centre.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It is rustic and very common in Europe. It prefers fertile, moderately moist soils but it adapts quite well. It has a good resistance to drought and pollution.

Use: It is used as ornamental plant for its summer flowering. It is widely used in gardens as a single plant, in groups or in mixed hedges. It is excellent for formal blooming hedges. Once it was typical in a country house. It is suitable for urban green areas. If it is pruned as a tree it is suitable for tree-lined streets with small spaces to plant them. It is mainly used in areas of summer vacation.