Search
- Home
- Sites
- Our Offices
- Research Stations
- Hammond Research Station
- Features
- Super Plants
- Spring
- Spring 2013
- Aphrodite Althea - Summer-flowering Shrub
Regina P. Bracy, Gill, Daniel J., Owings, Allen D.
Aphrodite Althea
Aphrodite althea, Hibiscus syriacus Aphrodite, is a durable, summer-flowering, deciduous shrub.
This vigorous grower can reach 8-10 feet in height. But don't be discouraged by the size because this plant makes a great informal hedge or specimen bloomer.
What makes Aphrodite althea so super is the outstanding blooms. Very large rosy-red, single-ruffled blooms with magenta throats cover the plant from late spring thru midsummer. Unlike many altheas, Aphrodite is sterile, so it does not set seed.
Soil moisture is important for continuous blooming, so provide regular watering and mulch.
Aphrodite althea grows more upright and denser than other altheas. Branches have a natural erect growth habit, forming a vase shape.
Popular in small and urban landscapes due to its high tolerance to air pollution, this Louisiana Super Plant puts on a show that has people asking "what is that plant?"Growing information:
Aphrodite Althea
Aphrodite Althea
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture