Hibiscus Syriacus Marina

Description

Hibiscus Syriacus Marina is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hibiscus family. This plant is native to China, Korea, and Japan and is also known as Rose of Sharon or Shrub Althea. It is a popular ornamental plant that produces beautiful flowers that bloom from mid-summer to late fall. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and come in shades of blue and purple with a dark red center. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedges or as a specimen plant.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Hibiscus Syriacus Marina has a dense, upright habit with a multi-stemmed growth habit. Its leaves are oval-shaped and glossy with a deep green color. The flowers are large and showy, measuring around 3-4 inches in diameter. They have five petals that are arranged in a trumpet shape, with a dark red center. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to late fall and come in shades of blue and purple. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedges or as a specimen plant.

Care Guide

To keep your Hibiscus Syriacus Marina healthy and blooming, you need to follow specific care instructions. Here are some tips:

Water

Hibiscus Syriacus Marina needs regular watering, especially during the summer months. You should water deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization

Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. You can also fertilize every four to six weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Soil

The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost or aged manure to improve the soil quality.

Sunlight

Hibiscus Syriacus Marina needs full sun to thrive. Make sure it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.

Hardiness Zones

The plant is hardy from USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Hibiscus Syriacus Marina is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:

Aphids

These small insects feed on the plant’s sap, causing leaves to curl and distort. You can control them by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.

Spider Mites

These tiny pests feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and webbing. You can control them by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.

Fungal Diseases

Hibiscus Syriacus Marina is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. You can control these diseases by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide.

Habitat

Hibiscus Syriacus Marina is native to China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, hillsides, and rocky slopes.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water my Hibiscus Syriacus Marina?

A: Water your plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Q: What is the hardiness zone of Hibiscus Syriacus Marina?

A: The plant is hardy from USDA zones 5-9.

Q: How do I control aphids on my Hibiscus Syriacus Marina?

A: You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.

Q: When do the flowers of Hibiscus Syriacus Marina bloom?

A: The flowers bloom from mid-summer to late fall.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Hibiscus Syriacus Marina:

• Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis
• Hibiscus Sabdariffa
• Hibiscus Moscheutos
• Hibiscus Mutabilis

References

• “Hibiscus Syriacus Marina” Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden.
• “Rose of Sharon ‘Marina’ (Hibiscus Syriacus)” Plant Care Guide, Gardenia.
• “Hibiscus Syriacus” Plant Care Guide, The Spruce.
• “Hibiscus Syriacus” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation.