Add Some Charm to Your Garden with the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard Tree

The Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard Tree is a lovely addition for any garden looking to add a pop of color and charm This beautiful variety produces an abundance of large, lilac-pink double blooms that provide soft color from midsummer all the way into the fall Trained into a standard tree form, it reaches a petite height of 4-5 feet, making it perfect for corners or as an accent plant. The Ardens Hardy Hibiscus maintains its formal spherical shape with minimal pruning required.

Overview of the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus

The Ardens Hardy Hibiscus, also known by its botanical name of Hibiscus syriacus ‘Ardens’, is a deciduous shrub valued for its midsummer to frost blooming period. The maple-like green leaves have a deeply toothed margin and turn into a mix of yellow, orange and red in the fall

This hardy hibiscus variety grows at a moderate rate in zones 5-8 and does well in full sun or partial shade conditions. It thrives in well-drained soil and is very tolerant of different types of soils. Water regularly until established. The Ardens can reach a mature height and spread of 5-8 feet.

Beautiful Blooms All Season

One of the best features of the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus is its long bloom time. The large, fully double lilac-pink flowers appear in midsummer and continue into the fall frost, providing months of color. The blooms can reach up to 6 inches wide!

These vibrant blossoms contrast beautifully against the green foliage, adding a pop of color to the garden. Plant several together to create a stunning display. The Ardens works well in perennial beds, borders, and foundation plantings. It also looks lovely planted in containers on a patio or deck.

Caring for Your Ardens Hibiscus

Caring for the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus is easy with proper planting and minimal maintenance Here are some tips

• Plant in full sun for the best flower production. It tolerates partial shade but may bloom less.

• Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or organic material to improve drainage. Hibiscus does not like wet feet.

• Water 1-2 times a week until established, then periodically during droughts. Too much water can cause root rot.

• Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its rounded form. Severe pruning reduces flowers.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support flowering.

• Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Remove spent blooms to encourage more buds. Deadheading is not required but keeps it neat.

With proper care, your Ardens should thrive for years, rewarding you with bountiful blooms. It is not commonly bothered by pests or diseases.

Trained into a Beautiful Standard Form

While the Ardens Hibiscus makes a fantastic shrub, it really shines when trained into a standard tree form. The process involves pruning the shrub to a single trunk and clearing growth below the desired crown height. This gives it a “lollipop” appearance.

Standard training results in a small ornamental tree with a rounded head atop a straight trunk. It adds height and structure to the garden. The Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard reaches about 4-5 feet tall.

Standards make excellent focal points in the landscape. Use them to highlight entries or corners. The Ardens Standard Tree looks beautiful in planters and containers too. The pink blooms cascading down from the crown are sure to draw admiration.

Caring for a standard is much the same as a shrub form. Just be sure to prune to maintain the desired shape. The Ardens requires minimal pruning to keep its rounded form.

An Easy-Care Hardy Hibiscus Variety

Some key reasons to consider the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard Tree:

• Long bloom time from midsummer to fall. Provides months of color.

• Large, lush pink double blooms up to 6 inches wide.

• Easy care and maintenance. Requires minimal pruning.

• Tolerant of different soil types and growing conditions.

• Lovely small ornamental standard tree, reaching just 4-5 feet tall.

• Adds height, structure and interest to gardens and containers.

• Deciduous nature provides winter interest too.

This hardy hibiscus variety is one of the easier types to grow. Once established, it is low maintenance and trouble-free. The Ardens Standard Tree is sure to add grace and charm to your outdoor space with its vibrant pink blooms and delightful form.

Where to Buy an Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard

The Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard Tree can be purchased from reputable online nurseries that ship live plants. Two recommended sources are:

• Spring Hill Nursery – Offers the Ardens Standard at 3 feet tall potted and ships in Spring.

• Greenwood Nursery – Sells 1-2 foot bare root Ardens shrubs which can be trained into standards. Ships in Fall.

Make sure to plant the Ardens Hibiscus Standard Tree in a spot that allows its pink flowers to shine. Give it full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal care for best results. Then relax and enjoy this beautiful addition as it rewards you with charm galore.