Syrian Hibiscus, Blue Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A shrub 3-4 m high. It spreads 1.2-1.8 m wide. It loses its leaves in cooler climates. The leaves are oval with teeth around the edge. They are small and hairless. The flowers are purple with crimson centres. The flowers are bell shaped and can be single or double. They are produced in the axils of leaves. There are a range of cultivated varieties.

There are about 220 Hibiscus species. It is also used as a medicine.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In the tropics it grows at high altitude. It is frost hardy but flowers are damaged by frost. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. At Anvers Chocolate factory. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Andorra, Asia, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Caucasus, Central Asia, China (country/location of origin), Cuba, East Africa, Ecuador, Europe, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Iran, Italy, Korea, Marquesas, Mediterranean, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niue, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Rotuma, Samoa, SE Asia, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Thailand, Turkmenistan, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The young leaves are boiled and eaten with oil and salt. They are used for tea. The flowers can be eaten. They are used in soup. The calyces or the flower are eaten.

It is sold in local markets in China. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, leaves - tea, seeds - oil, flowers - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds and cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bai jin hua, Chaba, Gurhal, Kembang sepatu mawar, Kembang sepatu saro, Mu jin, Shrubby Althæa, Sirski oslez, Swet jaba, Thon-ban-hla, Woody Hibiscus

Synonyms

Althaea frutex Mill.; Hibiscus acerifolius Salisb.; Hibiscus arborescens Gaterau; Hibiscus floridus Salisb.; Hibiscus rhombifolius Cav.; Hibiscus syriacus var. micrantha Y. N. Lee & K. B. Yim; Ketmia arborea Moench; Ketmia syriaca (L.) Scop.; Ketmia syrorum Medik.;