The Hedge: Beautiful Althea

Hibiscus syriacus, Althea, Rose of Sharon—these names refer to the same plant and not one accurately points to its origins. Despite its Latin name Hibiscus syriacus, it’s not originally from Syria. Rose of Sharon? Nope. It’s from nowhere near the plain of Sharon in Israel. It’s native to East Asia, not the Middle East. As for Althea, way back when (who knows how far), it was confused with another member of the mallow family, Althaea officinalis. It’s generally believed that the common names have stuck because they are pretty names for a beautiful plant. By the way, it’s also called shrub althea and rose mallow, but those don’t sound nearly as romantic.
 
Beloved as they are in the south, including southeast Texas, I never realized they might be considered invasive in some areas. I wouldn’t have planted one had I suspected that to be so. But they don’t seem to be a problem in Texas. I haven’t found a single article warning against them here. More to the point, we haven’t had a problem with ours and absolutely love it.
 
Since they’re deciduous, I’ve been surprised to note them used as a hedge, less so to see them severely pruned. Althea are big, strong, vigorous plants, growing anywhere from six to sixteen feet tall and two to ten feet wide. Over the years, I’ve struggled with our current garden. It simply kills roses--eats them for supper, so to speak. Almost no fruit trees have survived. And due to a faulty irrigation system and flighty Head Gardener, other plants bite the dust, even turn into dust, on a fairly regular rotation. But our Althea? Despite hard freezes, irregular watering, and intense heat, it has not only survived but thrived. It is a gorgeous specimen in our garden.
 
Hibiscus syriacus can be found in most nurseries, whether big box stores or privately owned, in lovely colors. If you’re interested in a large, hardy plant with elegant blooms, it's worth checking out.