TITLE

From Local Heritage to Global Markets - Export Performance and Globalization of New Hibiscus syriacus Cultivars derived from the Andong Landrace (Hibiscus syriacus var. micranthus) -

JOURNAL

Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture

ABSTRACT

The Andong landrace of Hibiscus syriacus (H. syriacus var. micranthus) has long been recognized for its genetic richness, and its use in breeding has produced cultivars with substantial phenotypic diversity regarding floral color, plant architecture, flowering duration, and growth potential. This diversity highlights the potential of the Andong landrace as a superior source for developing next-generation ornamental cultivars. This study investigated the morphological traits, growth performance, flowering characteristics, intellectual property (IP) registration, and international commercialization of new H. syriacus cultivars developed from the Andong landrace, a valuable regional genetic resource in Korea. Dwarf cultivars including “Umchan Sejong,” “Near

Shim,” and “Hi Lea” demonstrated strong suitability for indoor ornamental applications, whereas unique forms such as “Maehun,” “Seonam,” and “Saint Maria,” which lack a central eyespot, displayed significant market potential based on their distinctive floral aesthetics. These novel traits reflect the ability of the Andong landrace to produce cultivars that meet evolving consumer demands in global ornamental markets. In particular, Andong-derived cultivars have achieved international recognition. “Antong Two” (Lil Kim®), “SHIM RV24” (Lil Kim® Violet), and “SHIM CR1” (Ruffled Satin®) were granted plant patents in the United States and Canada, underscoring the international IP value of germplasms derived from native Korean resources. Their successful commercialization through the Proven Winners® brand and Spring Meadow Nursery demonstrated the global competitiveness of Andong-derived cultivars. Among these, Lil Kim®, released in 2007, achieved the highest cumulative sales, peaking at more than 26,000 units in 2016. Its commercial success was attributed to its compact growth features, dwarf canopy, and small but vividly colored flowers, traits strongly linked to the genetic background of the Andong landrace. Morphological evaluations confirmed that many Andong-derived cultivars retained key features of the original landrace, such as ovate leaves,

dense branching, and extended blooming duration. At the same time, hybridization expanded phenotypic variation, resulting in broader leaves, deeper pigmentation, overlapping petals, and novel growth features, thereby enhancing both ornamental appeal and market value. Significant differences in leaf dimensions, petiole length, and floral morphology were observed among the tested cultivars, confirming the utility of the Andong landrace for creating diverse horticultural traits. In conclusion, the Andong landrace represents a genetically rich and versatile breeding source for developing H. syriacus

cultivars with highly desired traits in modern horticulture, including extreme dwarfism, novel flower coloration, weeping or compact forms, and prolonged blooming periods. Collectively, these features elevate Korea’s national flower beyond its symbolic and cultural role to a globally marketable, high-value ornamental crop. By securing IP rights and achieving successful commercialization abroad, Andong-derived cultivars both strengthen Korea’s position in the international ornamental plant industry and contribute to reinforcing plant sovereignty and expanding the global presence of the Rose of Sharon.

KEYWORDS 

Hibiscus syriacus var. micranthus, Andong landrace, Cultivar breeding, Morphological diversity, Intellectual property rights, International commercialization

CITATION

하유미, &  최혜영. (2025). 지역 유산에서 세계 시장으로 - 안동 재래종 유래 무궁화 신품종의 수출 성과와 세계화 -. Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture, 43(3): 1-16.