Can anyone ID this lilac-coloured flowering shrub?

[NewspaperTaxis]

This front garden shrub at a neighbours is attractive - though not now, it must be said, these pictures were taken a while ago. Currently it has hardly a leaf or bit of green on it, it is just stark grey naked twigs.

But when the flowers come out, they are lasting and good value.

Hibiscus?

Definitely hibiscus.

Looks hibiscus-y to me. My mam's got one like it and she calls it a Rose of Sharon, which Google tells me is another name for Hibiscus.

Definitely hibiscus. It's lovely isn't it ?

It might be a Lavatera (mallow). Easier to grow than hibiscus, but they tend to be short lived.

Yup, Hibiscus, the Nationnaal Flower of Jamaica and a member of the mallow family, related to Hollyhocks and, believe it or not, Okra or 'ladies fingers'

Yes, it's a hibiscus. They are late to get going in the spring, my ndn's one in their front garden doesn't even have any leaves yet.

Hibiscus. You can make tea from the flowers.

Thanks everyone!

But is there just one kind of hibiscus then? Because I can imagine looking for one only to find out it's like 'daffodil' - 'Okay, what kind exactly though?'

Use Google lens and it'll tell you- it's in the main search bar and is so easy to use. So clever- love it!

Blimey, you're right. It's a Hibiscus syriacus 'Lavender Chiffon'
(Rose mallow 'Lavender Chiffon') acc to Google Lens!

So good, isn't it?! 👏

I have some hibiscus tea. It's supposed to be good for lowering blood pressure - also tastes good. Bought from a Lebanese food shop. 🌹

Thank you for your OP @NewspaperTaxis - I’ve just bought myself a couple of reduced tree hibiscus after looking yours up. 😊