Hibiscus paramutabilis x syriacus 'Tosca'

A ruffled romance of two worlds.

Born of a rare and artful union between Hibiscus paramutabilis, the regal, large-flowered species of southeastern China, and Hibiscus syriacus, the ever-popular Rose of Sharon, ‘Tosca’ is a woody shrub that carries the best traits of both parents—and then some.

This hybrid dazzles with oversized, ruffled blooms in shades of orchid-pink to magenta, each accented by a dramatic carmine eye that bleeds toward the petal edges like a watercolor brushstroke. The flowers are larger and more flamboyant than those of typical H. syriacus, with a softer texture and a slightly wilder, more romantic form, reminiscent of antique garden cultivars but with a hardier constitution.

Unlike some tropical members of the hibiscus clan, ‘Tosca’ is a reliably deciduous shrub, growing upright with a well-branched habit. It is hardy in the Deep South and may thrive farther north with protection—particularly in sites sheltered from harsh winter wind. Once established, it is tolerant of heat, drought, and less-than-perfect soil, though it flourishes best in full sun with good drainage.

With its show-stopping blooms and heritage as a hybrid of two storied species, ‘Tosca’ is a fine choice for gardeners seeking summer drama without the fragility of tropical varieties. Use as a specimen, hedge, or mixed border feature where its late-season bloom can bring the garden into high opera.

Highlights

• A rare hybrid of Hibiscus paramutabilis × H. syriacus

• Large, ruffled flowers in orchid-magenta tones with a carmine eye

• Blooms in late summer, often continuing into early fall

• Deciduous woody shrub with upright, well-branched habit

• Hardy in the Deep South; marginally hardy farther north with protection

• Thrives in full sun and average to fertile, well-drained soil

• Excellent as a focal point, flowering hedge, or mixed border accent