plant identification

Can anyone tell me what this shrub is? I see quite a few of them around here and it's such a pretty flower. This is in my neighbour's yard. It's pretty hardy as it gets no attention, and it seems to be spreading itself.

It's about 6 feet tall.


Here's a close up of the flowers and leaves:

I tried Googling red shrubs, but that would take days to sort though the results!

Could be a Rhododendron

https://www.google.ca/search?q=rhod...anyATD94CYAw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1403&bih=876

Possibly a large azalea? 

Both the Rhodie and that can get to some pretty big sizes when in their native habitat.

I was thing azalea too, but the flowers look less fancy than what I see online. Plus the soil around here is clay and alkaline, which rhodos & azaleas don't like. This plant gets zero attention and is doing fine, so I don't think it's a fussy one.

I've got azaleas and rhododendrons here that get zero attention and are doing fine. :lol3:

How big are the leaves?

Well that's interesting to learn. Judging from websites, you have to really coddle them for them to thrive.

The leaves are approx 2"-3" long and 3/4" wide, oval with slightly jagged edges. I just think those flowers don't look like any rhodo picture I've seen, but more like an anemone flower?

Google red hibiscus. I have one and it looks much like the picture you posted. Mine is not that large.

how about a rose of sharon shrub. they're related to hibiscus.

I'll be walking around my yard later with a ruler, measuring leaves. :lol3:

Ok, so thinking about this some more.

Have you noticed if the bush loses its leaves in winter?  That would be a big clue.  Azalea and Rhododendrum do not as they are considered evergreens (and, would be most likely, native to Canada).  

Hibiscus (of which Canada is not a hospitable climate for that plant) and Rose of Sharon do lose their leaves.  

Evergreen vs. deciduous.

Thanks for the replies.
It does lose its leaves in winter, so deciduous then. I've looked up hardy hibiscus and can't find a match. The flowers aren't that showy. Might be a hybrid though.