What's this planted tree in Kingston-upon-Thames city centre, please?

[NewspaperTaxis]

It's found near the All Saints Church. Obv Council planted, attractive lilac type flower in late July, wouldn't mind one of these for garden.

Any ideas? Do they grow much taller?

Hibiscus?

Yes, Rose of Sharon/Hibiscus

Yes, Hibiscus, and it has been grafted to produce the standard form. They normally grow as shrubs.

That's interesting- I've never heard hibiscus called Rose of Sharon before - in the U.K. that's generally used for Hypericum calycinum which is very different. But it's hibiscus in the US.

Very pretty, anyway.

Thanks, everyone!

I have one just blooming in my garden, slightly deeper blue-purple. It's beautiful!