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AWARD WINNING

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photo of Mario van Aart

Meet the Breeder

Mario van Aart

AWARD WINNING

PURPLE PILLAR®

Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus

'Gandini Santiago'

PP#25,568; CBR#6178

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Four Purple Pillar rose of Sharon in a lush landscape showing their distinctive narrow columnar habit "} Side view of Purple Pillar rose of Sharon in the landscape where its distinctive narrow columnar habit is very clear A single specimen of Purple Pillar rose of Sharon in bloom in a landscape surrounded by other leafy plants which include a purple leaf smokebush and a yellow dwarf birch Closeup of the semi double purple flowers of Purple Pillar rose of Sharon with prominent red star like eyes in the center YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Space saving
  • Award winner
  • Long blooming
Description

A totally unique rose of Sharon! There's really nothing like it - Purple Pillar® rose of Sharon is the first columnar hibiscus. Purple and red semi-double flowers appear all summer long. The narrow fastigiate habit gives it unlimited landscape potential: narrow hedges, screens, formal gardens, entry ways, and decorative containers. However you use it, Purple Pillar hibiscus makes a bold choice that's truly low-maintenance. Winner of the Silver Medal at the Plantarium show.

Awards
Silver Medal, Plantarium; Green Thumb award, Direct Gardening Association; Honorable Mention, Farwest Show
USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun
Height
10 - 16'
Width
4-5'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Purple
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Not finicky about soil - any well-drained site will do.

Pruning

Regular pruning is not required. May be trimmed, pruned, or shaped as desired in early spring.

Uses

Specimen; hedge; foundation plantings; mixed borders; screening.

Growing Tips

Rose of Sharon generally has high fertility needs and may benefit from yearly applications of a granular fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs.

  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week January 24, 2019; Purple Pillar® Hibiscus
  • Tag: Purple Pillar® Hibiscus Tag
  • Spec Sheet: Purple Pillar® Hibiscus Spec Sheet
  • Grower Sheet: Purple Pillar® Hibiscus Grower Sheet
  • Benchcard: Purple Pillar® Hibiscus Benchcard
  • Booklet/Brochure: Proven Winners ColorChoice Programs: Spec Sheet: Grower Sheet: 2023 Shrubs of the Year Growing Guide
  • Booklet/Brochure: Top 10 Landscape Shrubs - 2021

    • Features: Deer resistant, Heat tolerant, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Drought tolerant, Award winner

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hibiscus, Common name: Rose of Sharon, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Purple flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Deer resistant, Heat tolerant, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant, Drought tolerant, Award winner

    Filters: Botanical genus: Hibiscus, Common name: Rose of Sharon, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Purple flowers, Green foliage