Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea 'Blue Bird'

The "regional" list only allows US zip codes, so this is just to let other Irish gardeners know that my 30+ year old plant grows very hap...Read Morepily in Bray, Co Wicklow.

My garden is approximately 12 miles south of Dublin and 3 miles inland from the coast. The Hibiscus is planted on a south-facing hillside and gets plenty of shelter from surrounding trees and shrubs.

Last winter we got much heavier frosts than usual but -- perhaps because it's so well-established ? -- the plant continued to thrive and is now giving her usual display of fascinating flowers.

For those with small gardens, it would be well worth considering growing Blue Bird. She's slow-growing, has an upright habit and is easily pruned. Whilst slow to leaf in the Spring, the branches are very attractive in their own right, being silvery-grey-white.

I hope other Irish gardeners will find the above information helpful.

Regards, Anonany

~ It takes 3 to 4 years to mature. It takes 10 to 20 days to germinate in 75 degree Fahrenheit, well-drained soil.
~ It is late-b...Read Morelooming, single blue blossoms with maroon throats. They are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Diseases and pests that effect the plant are: Flower Bud Drop, Bacterial & Fungal Leaf Spot, Leaf Rust, Hollyhock Rust, Stem Canker, Cotton Root Rot, and Blight.
~ You can propagate them, by sowing the ripened seeds immediately or stored in a cool, dry place for 1 year. Lower branches can be soil layered. Take soft shoot cuttings in Spring or firm shoot cuttings in late Summer. They also respond to hardwood cuttings taken in Autumn. Prune established plants in early Spring by removing 1/3 of old wood. Young plants need protection in very cold regions.

Slow growing, but healthy. Beautiful blooms. Can take the heat and humidity. Requires ample water the first year or two to get it star...Read Moreted off right. Otherwise I'm afraid the heat would kill it.

Hi!
I live in Montreal, Canada and have two (although small, about 2 feet tall) version of this plant. And it grows and blooms!!!...Read More And believe me it's coooold out here!!! I never cover them in winter but I do cover their base with mulch as high as I can. I get a lot of flowers for their size. I would like to know how to propagate them cause in Montreal, Blue Birds are a rare find and if you do find them, their price is pretty high.
Thanks,
Marie

Contrary to its name, the color is not true blue, but veers more toward pale lilac with some blue mixed in. Very beautiful, but not free...Read More-flowering unless full sun.