Hibiscus syriacus 'Oiseau Bleu' – Rose of Sharon 'Oiseau Bleu'

Indulge in the presence of the 'Oiseau Bleu' Rose of Sharon. This dramatic shrub infuses an exotic touch into the garden by unfurling majestic sky-blue flowers enhanced by a captivating deep purple center. Its generous blooms illuminate the landscape from mid-summer through fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Adopt this exceptional plant to structure your garden designs with elegance and brilliance.

Characteristics

• Foliage : Deciduous, deeply lobed leaves of a vibrant, attractive green appearing in late spring.
• Flowering : Large, single violet-blue flowers with a dark purple heart, continuously renewing from July through September.
• Light Requirement : Requires full sun exposure to achieve maximum bloom.
• Habit : Bushy shrub habit, naturally upright and well-branched.
• Growth : Medium growth rate, reaching 2 to 3 meters at maturity.
• Soil : Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil while adapting to various soil conditions.
• Temperature : Hardiness zone 5.
• Resistances : Tolerates summer heat and urban pollution well once established.

Use

• Types of Use : Integrate this shrub into borders, informal flowering hedges, as a specimen plant, or in large containers on sunny patios.
• Decorative Benefits : Delivers a rare sky-blue color and brings a striking vertical presence late in the season.

Maintenance

• Watering : Water regularly during the first year following planting. Maintain slightly moist soil during summer dry spells.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to stimulate growth and flower bud formation.
• Pruning : Prune early in spring before growth starts to maintain a compact habit and encourage new wood that bears flowers.
• Planting : Plant in a hole twice as wide as the root ball, amending the soil with compost to ensure optimal rooting.
• Winter Protection : Apply a generous layer of mulch at the base and shelter young plants from prevailing winds during the first few winters.

(syn. Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Bird')