Rose Of Sharon - Hibiscus syriacus

This week's Plant Of The Week is Rose Of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). Rose Of Sharon are deciduous flowering shrubs which have just started to bloom around the valley.

They are large upright shrubs with quite a distinct form - its general habit is taller than it is wide and it makes a lovely specimen plant in the garden. The shrub has deeply lobed mid-green leaves and large single, or double, flowers in a range of colours, often with a strongly contrasting coloured center. The single blooms are generally larger and showier than the double blooms. The flowers also attract butterflies to the garden.

Rose Of Sharon prefers a location in full sun and is relatively heat and drought tolerant. Another point in its favour is the fact that it is quite late blooming.

Sambucus species - Elderberry

This week's choice for Plant of the Week is the Sambucus species. Known commonly as Elderberry, these large, upright shrubs are in full bloom now. The large creamy, white flat topped clusters of small flowers have a wonderful fragrance and can be used to make elderflower cordial and as a flavouring when cooking fruit such as rhubarb. Additionally, the flowers ripen into berries which are excellent for preserve or wine making and have the added benefit of attracting wildlife to the garden.