Hibiscus syriacus, the common garden Hibiscus, also called Rose of Sharon or Rose of Althea is a woody perennial, deciduous, flowering shrub that can reach 2-4 m in height. It is widely planted in areas with hot summers for its very attractive white, pink, red, lavender, or purple flowers. The flowers are large, solitary, showy, single or double and appear from mid summer to early autumn on current season's growth. Since plants bloom on new growth, shaping or pruning can be done at any time; prune in late winter or early spring in northern climates. The flowers only open in sunny weather. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects attracted by flat blossoms and nectar.

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