A wonderfully distinctive variety of this old-fashioned favourite, featuring single, trumpet-shaped, pure-white flowers, with rich ruby-red centres from late summer. It has green foliage which remains all throughout the season. Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart' is an upright, multi-stemmed, spreading shrub, and although reasonably high maintenance, its average texture blends into the landscape well and is most attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, meanwhile proving resistant to deer who seem to leave it alone. Grows to around 2-2.5m
Culinary note: The flowers can be infused to make a mildly citrus flavoured tea. The petals can be cut and added to fruit salads too.
Also known as Rose of Sharon or Hollyhock Hibiscus or Cold Hardy Hibiscus. Plant in a sunny position where soils are average to fertile and free-draining.