Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Swan Lake'

 Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Swan Lake' syn. 'Dainty White' syn. 'White La France'

This is another familiar old garden Hibiscus which has been grown for decades since its introduction from Florida. The pure white flower, which is occasionally flushed with green or cream on the petal edges, is a miniature windmill type of about 125mm and it originally appeared as a sport on 'Dainty Pink'. Pink flowers may still sometimes occur depending on the time of year. This is a very tall growing bush with whip-lash stems covered in only tiny leaves. If left un-pruned it develops a slightly weeping habit with age. The fashion for trimmed and pruned-within-an-inch-of-their-life shrubs has left this Hibiscus out in the cold somewhat but it is certainly worth including in a wild tropical style garden where a splash of white tempers more hot vibrant colours of foliage and flowers.