Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus French Cabaret = 'Mindoub1' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Hibiscus syriacus French Cabaret 'Mindoub1' is an ornamental shrub known for its stunning flowers and attractive foliage. The most striking feature of this plant is its double or semi-double blooms which display a mix of deep pink and red hues, with each flower characterized by a multitude of ruffled layers. These blossoms stand out against the dark green leaves that have a glossy texture and oval to diamond shape, often with slightly serrated edges. The leaves provide a lush backdrop for the flowers, creating a high-contrast visual appeal. The flowers of the Hibiscus syriacus French Cabaret are its most distinctive attribute, typically appearing in mid to late summer and continuing into the fall. These blossoms are attention-grabbing, with a paper-like quality to their petals and a tendency to feature a darker center or eye, which enhances their overall depth and dimension. This shrub blooms profusely, and the abundant flowers are prominent against the foliage, turning the plant into a focal point of the garden during its flowering period. Throughout the seasons, the Hibiscus syriacus French Cabaret maintains a pleasing shape, with a well-branched structure that lends itself to the display of its colorful blooms. The plant's graceful form can complement a variety of garden styles, and the texture of both blooms and foliage adds sensory appeal to the landscape. This variety, particularly recognized for its ornamental flowers, is commonly planted for its aesthetic contributions and is often used as a stand-alone specimen or as part of a mixed border, where its abundant flowering can be fully appreciated.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Malvaceae.
Synonyms
Rose Of Sharon, Syrian Ketmia, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus.
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Mindoub1'
- Toxicity
To humans
Rose of Sharon is generally regarded as a plant with low toxicity to humans. Ingesting any part of the Rose of Sharon is unlikely to cause serious symptoms of poisoning. Some people might experience mild stomach upset if large quantities are consumed, but this is relatively rare.
To pets
Rose of Sharon has a low level of toxicity to pets as well. If pets, such as dogs or cats, ingest parts of the Rose of Sharon, they might exhibit some gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. While the plant is not considered highly toxic, it is still advisable to prevent pets from ingesting the plant to avoid any potential discomfort.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
8 feet (2.44 meters
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Decorative flowers - Hibiscus syriacus French Cabaret produces showy, double blooms that add vibrant color and interest to any garden or landscape.
- Extended blooming period - It has a long flowering season, usually from mid-summer to fall, providing color for several months.
- Drought tolerance - Once established, it is fairly drought resistant and suitable for growing in areas with less water availability.
- Cold hardiness - This plant is tolerant of cold temperatures and can survive in cooler climates down to USDA zone 5.
- Low maintenance - It requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage blooming.
- Attracts pollinators - The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators, enhancing the health and beauty of the garden.
- Adaptability - This hibiscus can adapt to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils.
- Versatility in landscaping - It can be used as a standalone specimen, in hedges, or in mixed borders, and fits well into different landscape designs.
- Privacy screen - When planted in groups or rows, it can act as a natural privacy screen while adding aesthetic value.
- Minimal pest and disease problems - It is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, requiring few treatments.
- Non-invasive - Unlike some other hibiscus species, this variety is non-invasive, making it a good choice for gardens without the risk of it spreading uncontrollably.
- Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Hibiscus syriacus 'French Cabaret' can be used in creating natural dyes, especially from its flowers, which can impart a delicate color to fabrics or paper crafts.
- The plant's wood, being fairly firm and fine-grained, may be crafted into small wooden items such as handles for tools or intricate pieces for jewelry.
- The flowers can be placed in bowls of water for decorative purposes at events to float and add color and a touch of elegance.
- Leaves of Hibiscus syriacus 'French Cabaret' can be mashed and used in poultices for skin health in traditional practices, although not scientifically proven.
- Petals may be used to create a natural blush or lip stain by rubbing them directly onto the skin, giving a light pink tint.
- The flowers can be pressed and included in craft projects such as making bookmarks, cards, or in scrapbooking to add natural elements to art.
- Gardeners may utilize dried hibiscus branches as natural support stakes for other plants in the garden.
- The plant’s blossoms can be used in the culinary preparation as an adornment for salads, desserts, and exotic dishes, adding a floral aesthetic.
- Its large leaves can be used as a natural wrap for cooking, much like banana leaves are used in some tropical cuisines.
- The sturdy stems can be repurposed into rustic garden markers or labels, helping gardeners identify other plants while integrating the garden's natural look.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Rose of Sharon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Rose of Sharon is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Delicate Beauty: The Hibiscus syriacus plant, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, symbolizes delicate beauty owing to its large, showy flowers.
- Femininity: Often associated with women, the plant’s soft petals and gentle demeanor epitomize feminine grace.
- Love: The Rose of Sharon has been connected with the feeling of love, possibly due to its heart-shaped petals and attractiveness to bees, signifying attraction.
- Resilience: Able to withstand harsh conditions and still bloom, the Rose of Sharon represents resilience and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
- Healing: In some cultures, the Rose of Sharon is believed to have medicinal properties, thus symbolizing healing and the soothing of ailments.
- Water
Rose of Sharon, the common name for Hibiscus syriacus 'French Cabaret', should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it's crucial to water the plant at least once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons, depending on the climate and soil drainage. In hot, dry periods, watering may need to increase to twice a week. However, during winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot, especially when the plant is dormant. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again to avoid overwatering.
- Light
Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun positions where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. It will perform best and produce the most flowers when planted in a location that offers unfiltered, direct sunlight. However, in regions with extremely hot summers, it can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat.
- Temperature
Rose of Sharon is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures and can endure winter lows down to about 20°F, making it suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. It performs ideally when temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F. Temperatures above 95°F may stress the plant, so some shade or water may be needed in high heat conditions.
- Pruning
Pruning Rose of Sharon is important for maintaining its shape, encouraging healthy growth, and enhancing flower production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and thin out the plant to improve air circulation. Pruning can be done annually, but heavy pruning should only occur every few years.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for a Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'French Cabaret') should be well-draining and fertile, with a good amount of organic matter like compost or peat moss. It should also retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A slightly acidic to neutral pH—ranging between 6.0 and 7.0—is optimal for this plant.
- Repotting
Rose of Sharon does not commonly need repotting as it is typically grown outdoors; however, if grown in a container, repot the plant every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Rose of Sharon thrives in average outdoor humidity conditions, no special humidity requirements are needed; it is quite adaptable but does not typically need a high humidity environment.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright indirect sunlight and keep at room temp.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in well-draining fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Hibiscus syriacus 'French Cabaret' starts its life cycle from a seed or cutting, entering a germination or rooting phase where growth initiates under appropriate warmth and moisture conditions. As a perennial, it then enters a vegetative stage where leaves, stems, and a root system develop, during which it may be transplanted to its final growing location. The plant reaches the flowering maturity stage within a few years, producing large, showy flowers typically during the summer and early autumn months. After the flowering stage, pollinated flowers can produce seed pods for propagation, although patented varieties like 'Mindoub1' are generally propagated through cloning to retain specific genetic traits. During winter or cooler seasons, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, experiencing leaf fall and reduced growth. In the subsequent growing season, the cycle recommences with new vegetative growth, preparing for the next bloom period.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Hibiscus syriacus, also known as Rose of Sharon, is through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. For this method, a healthy, non-flowering stem is selected and cut into 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) lengths, making sure each cutting has at least a couple of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, and the pot is kept under indirect sunlight with consistent moisture until the roots have developed, which typically takes several weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be potted up individually or planted directly in the garden.