Hibiscus syriacus L. var. alba simplex
Fully-hardy, erect, deciduous shrub with 3-lobed leaves, to 10cm long, and single or paired, large, trumpet-shaped flowers, usually dark pink in the wild, to 6cm across, arising from the leaf axils in summer and autumn. To 3m. Alba simplex has single white flowers. Cultivars with single white flowers still grown include, notably ‘Totus albus’ and ‘Snowdrift’. There are many colour forms, such as those described here, and double forms are common. [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers’].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘The Hibiscus syriacus, known generally by the name of Althaea frutex, is a native of Syria, and forms one of the chief ornaments of our gardens in autumn; we view it, however, with less delight, as it is a sure indication of approaching winter. There are many varieties of it mentioned by authors, as the purple, red-flowered, white-flowered, variegated red and white flowered, and the striped-flowered, to which may be added, another variety, lately introduced, with double flowers: it varies also in its foliage, which is sometimes marked with white, sometimes with yellow.’ The plant figured had pinkish-white flowers with a scarlet centre, the petals veined with scarlet. [BM t.83/1789]. First cultivated in Britain in 1596. [PD].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.555/1843].
Notes
Published Jan 13, 2010 - 11:02 AM | Last updated Jan 13, 2010 - 12:00 PM
Hibiscus syriacus L. var. alba simplex | Redouté Choix pl.31/1833 | BHL. A form with single white flowers, probably the true alba simplex, is shown. | BHL
| Family | Malvaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | China to India |
| Synonyms |
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| Common Name | Shrubby althaea |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Hibiscus Syriacus alba simp. |
| Confidence level | high |