Originating in India and China. It holds the title of the national flower of South Korea. The habit of this species is a vigorous, upright, vase-shaped, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub, generally reaching a height of 8-12 feet, though it can be trained as a small tree or espalier if desired. It's a plant that is both hardy and beautiful, with a long blooming period extending from early summer to fall, showcasing its hollyhock-like, 5-petaled flowers that measure up to 3 inches in diameter. The flowers come in a variety of colors with various cultivars including blue, red, pink, and white, each adorned with conspicuous, protruding tubes of stamens​.
A study revealed its potential in inhibiting the growth of certain types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli. Additionally, extracts from the plant showed promising anti-aging effects by promoting collagen synthesis. A cultivar was honored with the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.