I am fond of the shrub commonly known as Rose of Sharon, which I believe is a hardy hibiscus. I’ve only ever seen the plants grown as shrubs that bear beautiful, tropical looking flowers all summer.

The tree grows to about 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide, and it’s evergreen with slender, spreading branches and pale brown bark. The leaves are elliptical, leathery and glossy, 4 to 9 inches long ...