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Hibiscus syriacus 'Speciosus' (d)

rose of Sharon 'Speciosus'

'Speciosus' is an upright shrub up to 2.5m high, with deciduous, three-lobed, green leaves, and double white flowers, with dark red centres and veins, from late summer to mid-autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red White Green
Autumn Red White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Hibiscus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals or perennials, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and large, funnel-shaped flowers over a long flowering season

Name status

Not established

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in neutral, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun, in a warm position such as a south-facing or west-facing wall to encourage flowering, and protect roots in winter with an organic mulch

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by layering in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs)

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews

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