SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hibiscus syriacus

COMMON NAME: shrub althea, rose-of-sharon

FLOWERS: Single, lavender flowers on new growth in June or July. There are white, pink, red and double cultivars. Up to 3" across.

LEAVES: Alternate with hairlike stipules on either side of the petiole. 3 major veins come out of the leaf base to 3 lobes that are coarsely serrated. Up to 4" long.

GROWTH HABIT: 8' to 15' tall as a small shrub or tree. Is usually very erect, but occasionally spreading.

OTHER: Hardy from zone 5 to 9. An old, traditional plant in the southeastern United States. Is very drought tolerant. A member of the Malvaceae family. Will grow in sun or shade, but will have less flowers in the shade. Many cultivars available. Most people are surprised at how closely this plant is related to cotton.