Double Red Althea Tree Form
Hibiscus syriacus 'Amplissimus'Local DFW Delivery Only
Product Details
Double Red Althea Tree Form
Hibiscus syriacus 'Amplissimus'The Double Red Althea Tree Form is a vibrant showstopper with its eye-catching, ruffled hot pink flowers that bloom from spring to summer. This tree-form version is offering height, structure, and nonstop color in a compact, manageable form. It grows 8 feet in height and 5 in width, making it perfect as a focal point, container centerpiece, or accent in beds and borders.
- Deciduous tree
- Moderate growth rate
- Bold, double red flowers bloom for months
- Tree form adds vertical interest and elegance
- Tolerant of heat, humidity, and urban conditions
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Trim in late winter to maintain shape and encourage lush growth. This spirited beauty brings flair and function to any landscape. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, making it ideal for North Texas landscapes.
Once established, Double Red Althea Tree Form’s upright trunk and dense canopy structure make routine care predictable and easy to manage over time. Here’s all it needs:
- Watering: Provide deep, consistent watering during the first growing season to encourage a strong, anchoring root system. After establishment, this tree form tolerates moderate dry periods but performs best with supplemental irrigation during extended heat. Avoid frequent shallow watering.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. Maintain the single trunk by removing basal shoots and lightly thinning interior branches to preserve airflow and shape.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as buds begin to swell. Excessive nitrogen should be avoided, as it can produce overly vigorous foliage growth.
- Mulching: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture accumulation against the bark.
- Winter Care: Mature plants are reliably hardy and generally require minimal winter intervention. In colder climates, young tree-form specimens may benefit from temporary trunk wrapping during their first few winters.
Double Red Althea Tree Form is generally dependable, though occasional pests and environmental stress may occur.
- Japanese Beetles: Leaves may appear skeletonized during summer feeding periods. Hand removal or strategic trap placement away from the plant helps reduce damage.
- Aphids: Small insects may cluster on tender shoots, leading to slight curling and sticky residue. A firm spray of water or insecticidal soap typically resolves early infestations.
- Verticillium Wilt: Sudden branch dieback or uneven leaf yellowing may indicate vascular stress from soilborne fungi. Removing affected branches and maintaining overall plant vigor helps limit progression.
- Bud Drop from Water Stress: Developing buds may fall prematurely during inconsistent watering or extreme heat. Maintaining steady soil moisture during stressful periods improves retention.
- Bark Splitting in Young Trees: Vertical cracks may appear on the trunk during sudden temperature fluctuations. Wrapping young trunks during winter reduces the likelihood of damage.
With proper pruning and drainage, it commonly lives 20-30 years or more. Healthy structural training early in life contributes significantly to longevity. Mature specimens often remain vigorous for decades.
Growth averages 12-24 inches per year in favorable conditions. A stable trunk and well-shaped canopy typically establishes within 3-5 years. Full structural maturity usually develops by year five.
It is valued for its richly layered, double blooms presented high on a formal trunk. The tree form elevates the dramatic flower display, creating a refined focal point. Its bold coloration adds strong visual contrast in summer landscapes.
It belongs to Hibiscus syriacus, often called Rose of Sharon. Unlike tropical hibiscus species, it is a hardy woody shrub that survives colder climates. The tree form is created through training rather than natural growth habit.
It is generally considered moderately deer-resistant. While not immune to browsing, it is less attractive than many softer ornamental plants. Protection may be advisable in areas with heavy deer pressure.
It adapts well to heat, pavement reflection, and moderate air pollution. Once established, it performs reliably in city environments. Consistent watering during extreme heat improves resilience.
Seed capsules may develop if spent blooms are left in place. In most maintained landscapes, self-seeding is limited. Removing spent flowers can further reduce seed production.
Double varieties feature layered petals that create a fuller appearance. This gives the canopy a denser floral texture compared to single-flowered types. The overall structure remains similar, but the visual impact is more dramatic.
Moderate branch damage can usually be corrected with careful pruning. Because it blooms on new wood, recovery growth is typically strong. Maintaining structural balance helps reduce future breakage.
Once established, it develops a stable, moderately deep root system. Proper early watering encourages deeper rooting. Good drainage supports long-term root health.
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Double Red Althea Tree Form This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hibiscus syriacus 'Amplissimus' | Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ |
| Size at Maturity | 8' H x 5' W | 8' H x 6' W |
| Leaf Retention | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Fall Color | Yellow | Yellow |
| Flower Color | Pink | Pink & Red |
| Bloom Times | Spring & Summer | Spring & Summer |
| Sizes Available | 10 Gal | 30 Gal |
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