Althea / Hibiscus

Shrubs grow as multi-stemmed, bushy plants that fill borders and make informal hedges; standards are trained on a single trunk with a crown and act as an architectural focal point. Choose a shrub if you want a dense planting for a mixed border or low hedge, and if you have space for a wider plant. Choose a standard if you need a vertical accent near a path, patio or entrance, or want to underplant beneath the crown. Standards take up less horizontal space but need staking and occasional shaping to keep the crown tidy.

These shrubs flower best in a sunny to partly shaded position; full sun usually gives the most blooms, while light afternoon shade can help in very hot locations. Plant in fertile, well‑draining soil that retains some moisture — avoid permanently waterlogged spots. In containers, use a good-quality potting mix, choose a large pot for root volume, and keep watering consistent during hot, dry weather.

Prune woody Althea/Hibiscus in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts: remove dead or weak wood and shorten shoots to shape the plant, which stimulates fresh flowering wood. Regular watering during the growing season and a balanced fertilizer in spring (and light feed during summer for containers) help sustain abundant blooms. Remove suckers from the base of standards and mulch to conserve moisture; protect young plants from late frost while they establish.

Large, single flowers make Althea/Hibiscus ideal as summer focal points. Group several plants of the same colour for bold impact, or mix complementary colours (for example pale and deep shades) for contrast. Place standards where their silhouette and flowers can be seen from seating areas; plant shrubs in the middle or back of a mixed border where their summer display contrasts with perennial foliage. Combine with low-stature perennials or grasses to show off the flowers and avoid crowding the base.