Hibiscus syriacus ‘Marina’ - Rose of Sharon

A striking late-flowering shrub, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Marina’ produces large, single blooms in a rich violet-blue with a contrasting maroon eye. Also widely known as ‘Blue Bird’, this variety offers a cool, elegant colour palette and a long flowering period that lasts well into autumn. With its upright habit and tolerance for urban conditions, it’s ideal for borders, specimen planting, or low maintenance landscaping.

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Marina’, commonly known as Blue Bird Hibiscus, is a hardy, deciduous shrub that brings bold colour and reliable structure to sunny garden spaces from midsummer into early autumn.

Scientific Name
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Marina’ (also sold as ‘Blue Bird’; syriacus refers to a historical misclassification – the plant is not native to Syria)

Common Name
Blue Bird Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon, Syrian Hibiscus, Shrub Althea, Tree Hollyhock

Origin
Native to East Asia – particularly China and Korea; this cultivar was selected in Europe for its vivid blue-toned flowers

Pruning Tips
Cut back in early spring to shape and encourage flowering on new wood. Remove any weak or crossing stems

Wildlife Value
Late-season nectar source for bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators

Positioning
Full sun in a sheltered, warm spot. Great for mixed borders, as a feature shrub, or even in large containers

Water
Water regularly in the first year. Once established, it is drought tolerant and copes well in dry summers

Soil
Moist but well-drained soil; thrives in loam, sandy, or chalky soils – avoid heavy, waterlogged ground

Food
Feed in early spring with a general-purpose fertiliser to support vigorous growth and flowering

Pet-safe
Generally considered non-toxic to pets

Sprouts Top Tips
Its cool-toned blooms pair beautifully with silver foliage and ornamental grasses. Plant where the morning sun can backlight the petals – it really shows off the flower colour.