Rose Of Sharon, Althaea, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus

Hibiscus syriacus

Physical Characteristics

Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China to India. Locally naturalized in S. Europe.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil Tea Young leaves - raw or cooked[2, 177, 179, 183]. A very mild flavour, though slightly on the tough side, they make an acceptable addition to the salad bowl[K]. A tea is made from the leaves[2, 177, 240] or the flowers[183]. Flowers - raw or cooked[74, 105, 183]. A mild flavour and mucilaginous texture, they are delightful in salads, both for looking at and for eating[K]. Root - it is edible but very fibrousy[144]. Mucilaginous, without very much flavour[144].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antiphlogistic Antipruritic Demulcent Diuretic Dysentery Emollient Expectorant Febrifuge Ophthalmic Skin Stomachic Styptic The leaves are diuretic, expectorant and stomachic[218, 240]. A decoction of the flowers is diuretic, ophthalmic and stomachic[147, 178, 218]. It is also used in the treatment of itch and other skin diseases[240], dizziness and bloody stools accompanied by much gas[147]. The bark contains several medically active constituents, including mucilage, carotenoids, sesquiterpenes and anthocyanidins[279]. A decoction of the root bark is antiphlogistic, demulcent, emollient, febrifuge, haemostatic and vermifuge[218, 240]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, abdominal pain, leucorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea[240, 279] and dermaphytosis[147].

Known Hazards

None known