JENNY'S GARDEN                                                             

Hibiscus syriacus 'America Irene Scott'
(Rose of Sharon Sugar Tip)

Origin:  Hybridzer, Verweij (2002)
Family:  Malvaceae
Light:  Full sun-part shade
Height:  8-10'
Spacing:  3-6'
Blooms:  Fragrant, floriferous, light pink, double, mid-Summer
Foliage:  Deciduous, blue-green with creamy-white margin, variegated
Soil:  Well-drained, mildly acidic, neutral
Uses:   Ornamental, cottage, container,  hedge, specimen, mass plant, tropical garden, butterfly garden
Propagation:  Softwood/semi-hardwood/woody stem cuttings

Comments:  Hibiscus syriacus 'America Irene Scott' or Rose of Sharon Sugar Tip is a hardy shrub with a fast, upright growth habit.  From mid-Summer till frost, this perennial hybrid plant produces abundant showy fragrant, double pale pink flowers, attracting myriads of butterflies.  Unlike other Rose of Sharon, this beauty however does not produce seeds. lt has eye-catching deciduous blue-green foliage.  Hibiscus syriacus 'America Irene Scott' is easily propagated from stem cuttings.  It thrives best in well-drained, mildly acidic or neutral soil, in a sunny to part shade location.  Rose of Sharon 'Sugar Tip' is hardy to -20 degree Fahrenheit.  Fertilize in Spring to promote healthy growth. Mass plant Hibiscus syriacus 'America Irene Scott' for a lovely hedge or a superb butterfly garden. It makes a great stand alone specimen.  Use Rose of Sharon Sugar Tip for added colors in a cottage setting.  Hibiscus syriacus 'America Irene Scott' can also be container cultivated.  It adds a tropical flair to the sunny landscape.  Prune in the Fall for desired shape and size.  The beauty of Rose of Sharon Sugar Tip catches every passerby's attention.  Any avid gardener would love to own one.  Hibiscus syriacus 'America Irene Scott' certainly melted my heart when I first sighted it. 

USDA Zones:  5-9