Moe Althea or Rose of Sharon. This species of Hibiscus, H. syriacus, is the national flower of Korea, but this is an old Japanese cultivar, origin unknown. The unique aspect of this selection is its new growth which is almost totally devoid of chlorophyll. Upon emerging in the spring, it's leaves are a rather ghostly cream-white, but once the leaves start hardening off, the leaves slowly turn green. The flower is a large single form and the most blush of pinks with veins a little darker pink. Almost surreal. I have to grow it in part shade as the new growth in the spring tends to burn in full sun. Cooler areas would probably be able to grow it in more sun. This may be a first introduction to the American market of this cultivar.
Zones 5-9
