‘Minerva’ Rose of Sharon (Althea)

Abstract ‘Minerva’ is the 3rd triploid Hibiscus syriacus L., commonly known as the ‘Rose of Sharon’, introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum. ‘Diana’(l), NA 32224, with pure white flowers and the first triploid introduction, and ‘Helene’(2), NA 41786, with white flowers and prominent dark-red eye spot, have become highly esteemed and are now the leading nursery cultivars. The introduction of ‘Minerva’ extends the color range to lavender and further elevates the ‘Rose of Sharon’ to an elite summer flowering shrub.