Bluebird Rose of Sharon Hibiscus Shrub

Bluebird is a deciduous Rose of Sharon shrub with single violet-blue flowers centered by maroon, blooming in late summer and autumn. Its upright, multi-stemmed habit suits a shrub border, foundation planting, or informal flowering hedge. ## Features The [North Carolina Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hibiscus-syriacus-blue-bird/) lists Blue Bird at 8–12 feet high and 6–10 feet wide and notes that it flowers best in full sun. The [Royal Horticultural Society’s Oiseau Bleu entry](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/114547/hibiscus-syriacus-oiseau-bleu/details) lists ‘Blue Bird’ as a synonym and describes violet-blue flowers with maroon centers; its separate [Blue Bird entry](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/85323/hibiscus-syriacus-blue-bird/details) confirms that naming link. ## Growing Plant in full sun for the strongest flowering, though partial shade is tolerated. Average garden soil is suitable; the shrub prefers soil that stays occasionally moist and contains organic matter. Leave space for its mature spread and use it as a specimen, in small groups, or as a loose hedge. ## Maintenance Prune lightly in spring to shape, or cut back more firmly in winter if a smaller shrub with larger flowers is preferred. Flowers develop on new growth. Check periodically for aphids, mealybugs, and thrips.