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 from the mallow family. This deciduous shrub, native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), is valued for its large, exotic flowers and its long blooming period from summer to autumn. 'Hamabo' has received the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit due to 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 three-lobed, with toothed edges, 7-10 cm long. They appear late, in May, and have a palmate-veined texture. In autumn, the leaves may take on yellowish shades before falling but do not offer a significant color display.
• 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 red-carmine spot at the base of each petal, creating an attractive contrast. They bloom from July to September, sometimes until October, each flower lasting one day but constantly replaced by new buds. The flowers have a and attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Fruits: It produces dehiscent capsules, green or brown, 1-2 cm in size, which persist through winter. These are not ornamental and contain seeds that can easily germinate, giving the plant a somewhat invasive character in some regions.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: It grows as an upright shrub, reaching 1.5-2.5 m in height and 1.2-1.5 m in width in 10-20 years. Under optimal conditions, it can reach 3 m if not pruned. It has a vase-shaped form, with long, slender branches that arch under the weight of the flowers.
• Vigour: Growth is moderate, with dense branching if pruned regularly. Flowers appear on new wood, making annual pruning beneficial.
• Type: It is a hardy deciduous shrub with a branched structure that can be shaped into various forms, including standards or small trees.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun for abundant flowering but also tolerates partial shade. A sunny position sheltered from strong winds maximizes the floral display.
• Soil: Grows well in fertile, well-drained soils with consistent moisture, from slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 5.5-8). It tolerates poor soils but prefers a mix with compost or well-rotted manure. For pots, 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 soaked. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought.
• Pollination: The simple flowers attract pollinators such as bees, but semi-double flowers are less accessible to insects.
  

Care and hardiness

• Hardiness: It is frost hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -15°C to -20°C (zones 5-9), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Young leaves may be affected by late frosts, and in severe winters, mulching the base is recommended.
  
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring and summer to encourage flowering. It is a "greedy feeder," benefiting from regular feeding during the growing season.
  
• Pruning: Prune in February-March to encourage flowering on new wood, keeping 2-3 buds on branches from the previous year. Pruning helps maintain a compact and 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 molds, especially in damp conditions. Good ventilation and avoiding wetting the leaves reduce risks.
  
• Propagation: Propagated by cuttings taken in summer, layering, or seeds, although seeds may produce variable plants. Cutting is the most reliable method to preserve the cultivar's characteristics.
  
• Toxicity: It is non-toxic to humans and animals, and the flowers are edible, used in some cultures for teas or decoration.
  

Uses

Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo' is ideal for mixed borders, hedges, privacy screens, or as a solitary plant in gardens. Its exotic flowers add a tropical air, perfect for cottage gardens or urban landscapes due to its pollution tolerance. It can be grown in containers on terraces, 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 'Hamabo' cultivar, of Japanese origin, is a rare selection, described as "captivating" or "surprising" due to its unique pink flowers with red spots. It is one of the few Japanese creations of this widely grown species in horticulture. It is the national symbol of South Korea, mentioned in the country's anthem.

Height with pot included approx. 30 cm