Description
Hibiscus syriacus 'Flower Tower Ruby' Feathered | Rose of Sharon
Feathered Rose of Sharon 'Flower Tower Ruby' is Hibiscus syriacus 'Flower Tower Ruby' in a distinctive feathered form. Known in the UK as Rose of Sharon, it is a deciduous flowering shrub with a compact, upright and columnar shape. This presentation gives the plant a narrow silhouette and makes it useful for smaller gardens and tighter planting spaces. The cultivar name 'Flower Tower Ruby' reflects its ruby-red flowers and compact columnar growth. It can reach approximately 250 cm in height, while its mature width is not specified. The green leaves appear late in spring, so the shrub may take a little longer to come into leaf than some other garden plants. From July to September, it produces a rich display of conspicuous ruby-red flowers. As a deciduous shrub, it brings seasonal change rather than year-round foliage. The feathered form gives it a clear vertical presence without the broad outline of a spreading shrub. It can therefore add height and structure where space is limited. This Rose of Sharon belongs to the hibiscus genus and offers a practical way to bring strong summer colour to a UK garden.
Key features of Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'Flower Tower Ruby') in feathered form
- Ruby-red summer flowers: The flowering is conspicuous and rich. Ruby-red flowers appear from July to September, giving the shrub a long summer flowering period and clear seasonal colour.
- Deciduous green foliage: The leaves are green and deciduous. Leaf shape and size are not specified, but the foliage provides a fresh background for the flowers during the growing season.
- Compact, columnar growth: The feathered form has an upright, narrow and compact silhouette. Its vertical shape gives the shrub presence without taking up a broad area, which is useful in smaller gardens and tighter borders.
- Suitable position: Plant it in full sun or partial shade. A sunny or partly shaded position suits UK gardens and allows the ruby-red flowers to form the main ornamental feature.
- Well-drained soil: The soil should be well drained, humus-rich and slightly moist. Avoid waterlogged or compacted ground, especially in the often wet UK climate. This flowering shrub is best placed where excess water can drain away.
Uses of feathered Rose of Sharon 'Flower Tower Ruby' in the garden
- Specimen planting: The narrow, upright silhouette makes this plant suitable as a specimen. Its feathered form creates a clear vertical accent, while the ruby-red flowers add colour from July to September.
- Borders and small gardens: The compact columnar habit is useful in a border or small garden where vertical interest is wanted without a broad footprint. It can add height and structure while keeping the planting area visually ordered.
- Pots and patios: This Rose of Sharon can be used in a container. Its upright form suits patios and other compact garden spaces, where a strong vertical outline can balance lower planting around it.
- Hardiness: It is hardy to approximately -23.3 to -17.8°C, corresponding to USDA zone 6. This indicates good hardiness for temperate UK conditions, although performance can still vary between individual gardens and microclimates.
- Plant combinations: Combine it with lower-growing border plants, perennials or ornamental grasses. These plant groups can sit around the narrow form and help show the height, structure and ruby-red flowering to good effect.
The shrub is deciduous and may develop its green leaves late in spring, followed by its main display in summer. Its greatest ornamental value comes from the combination of rich ruby-red flowers, a long flowering period and the tidy vertical effect of the feathered form. Feathered Rose of Sharon 'Flower Tower Ruby' adds ruby-red summer colour and vertical structure to a UK garden without needing a wide planting space.
