Hibiscus syriacus Ardens

Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens' is an old selection of Tree Mallow that is charming with its magnificent double to semi-double flowering in shades of pink mauve to bluish mauve. Its abundant large crumpled corollas create a romantic decoration on the bush, from August to the first frost. A deciduous, generous shrub that does not mind cold, limestone, or heat, ideal for a medium hedge or as a specimen in a small garden.

Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens' is a late double-flowering horticultural creation. The species, sometimes called Syrian Hibiscus or Garden Hollyhock, is a hardy shrub, deciduous in our climates, but evergreen in warm climates, belonging to the mallow family, just like hollyhocks and marshmallows. It is native to temperate regions of Asia (China, India), and has given rise to numerous cultivars including 'Ardens'. In a few years, it forms a rather upright shrub of about 2.40 m high and 1.50 to 1.60 m wide supported by divided stems and branches. If regularly pruned, it can be kept in more modest dimensions and become a large bush. It blooms from August, earlier or later depending on the climate. Its ephemeral flowers, which wither in 24 hours, are constantly renewed until October. They are 8-10 cm wide and more or less double, with some becoming single at the end of the season. The petals gradually change from violet-pink to mauve, then take on blue highlights as they fade. They are arranged around a throat spotted with purple-red. Its foliage is a bright green, slightly shiny, and turns yellow in autumn. The leaves are alternate, simple, heart-shaped, and trilobed; their edges are toothed and wavy.

The 'Ardens' Rose of Sharon appreciates bright exposures and long hot summers, it is content with light shade in southern regions. Plant it sheltered from strong winds, in soil that remains slightly moist at the height of summer. This excellent variety can be used as a specimen in a small garden. It can also be used in a medium-height hedge, in combination with the blue single-flowered hibiscus 'Ultramarine' and the double white 'China Chiffon'. Also mix it with English shrub roses or a large Indian lilac 'Soir d'été' with pink flowers. It can also be planted as a specimen or at the back of a perennial bed with daylilies, catmints, and shrubby salvias, for example.