Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo' - hibiscus premiat de gradina

Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo' , also known as 'Rose of Sharon Hamabo', 'Althéa Hamabo' or 'Mauve en arbre', is a cultivar of the species Hibiscus syriacus in the family Malvaceae. This deciduous shrub, native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), is prized for its large, exotic flowers and its long flowering period from summer to autumn. 'Hamabo' has received the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding performance in gardens, making it ideal for borders, hedges or as a solitary plant.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are deciduous, dark green , ovate or trilobed, with serrated edges, 7-10 cm long. They appear late, in May , and have a palmate-veined texture. In autumn, the leaves may turn yellowish before falling, but do not offer a significant color show.
• Flowers : The flowers are large, 7-12 cm in diameter, trumpet-shaped, with 5 petals. The color is a pale pink with darker streaks and a distinctive carmine-red spot at the base of each petal, creating an attractive contrast. They bloom from July to September , sometimes into October, each flower lasting one day, but being constantly replaced by new buds. The flowers have a faint fragrance and attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Fruits : Produces dehiscent, green or brown, 1-2 cm capsules that persist into winter. These are non-ornamental and contain seeds that can germinate easily, giving the plant a slightly invasive character in some regions.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Grows as an erect shrub, reaching 1.5-2.5 m tall and 1.2-1.5 m wide in 10-20 years. In optimal conditions, it can reach 3 m if not pruned. It has a vasiform habit, with long, thin branches that arch under the weight of the flowers.
• Vigor : Growth is moderate, with dense branching if pruned regularly. Flowers appear on new wood, making annual pruning beneficial.
• Type : It is a deciduous, hardy shrub with a branching structure that can be shaped into various shapes, including standard or tree-like.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun for abundant flowering, but tolerates partial shade . A sunny position, protected from strong winds, maximizes the floral show.
• Soil : Grows well in fertile, well-drained , consistently moist, slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 5.5-8) soils. Tolerates poor soils but prefers a mix of well-rotted compost or manure. For pots, a soil-based compost such as John Innes No.3 is recommended.
  
• Watering : Requires regular watering, especially in the first year, to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, tolerates moderate drought.
• Pollination : Simple flowers attract pollinators such as bees, but semi-double flowers are more difficult for insects to reach.
  

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : It is cold-hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -15°C to -20°C (zones 5-9), making it suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Young leaves may be affected by late frosts, and in severe winters, mulching the base is recommended.
  
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in spring and summer to encourage flowering. It is an "avid feeder", benefiting from regular fertilization during the growing season.
  
• Pruning : Prune in February-March to encourage flowering on new wood, keeping 2-3 buds on the previous year's branches. Pruning helps maintain a compact, dense shape. Remove dead or damaged branches in spring.
  
• Pests and Diseases : May be affected by aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, or Japanese beetles. Diseases include leaf spots, rust, or mildew, especially in humid conditions. Good ventilation and avoiding wetting the leaves will reduce the risks.
  
• Propagation : Propagate by branch cuttings taken in summer, layering or seeds , although seeds can produce variable plants. Cuttings are the most reliable method for preserving cultivar characteristics.
  
• Toxicity : It is non-toxic to humans and animals, and the flowers are edible, being used in some cultures for teas or decoration.
  

Use

Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo' is ideal for mixed borders , hedges , privacy screens or as a solitary plant in gardens. Its exotic flowers add a tropical touch, making it perfect for cottage gardens or urban landscapes due to its pollution tolerance. It can be grown in containers on patios, making it suitable for small yards. It is excellent for attracting pollinators and creating a focal point in the garden.

Origin

Hibiscus syriacus is native to East Asia (China, India, Korea), but has been cultivated in Europe since the 12th century. The cultivar 'Hamabo', of Japanese origin, is a rare selection, called "captivating" or "surprising" due to its unique pink flowers with red spots. It is one of the few Japanese creations of the species widely distributed in horticulture. It is the national symbol of South Korea, mentioned in the country's anthem.

Height with pot included approx. 30 cm