Hibiscus syriacus, Syrian hibiscus, Althea, Shrub Althea
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a deciduous flowering shrub that is native to Asia. It is a member of the hibiscus family and is also known as Syrian hibiscus or shrub althea.
Appearance: It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 8-12 feet (2.4-3.6 meters) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) wide.
Flowers: The plant produces large, showy flowers that are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter. The flowers come in a range of colors, including white, pink, purple, blue, and red, with a distinctive central stamen.
Foliage: The leaves are green and heart-shaped, with a serrated edge.
Hardiness: Rose of Sharon is usually hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can withstand cold winter temperatures as low as -20°F (-28.9°C). In areas subjected to harsh winters and snow, it will die back to the ground in winter, coming back in the spring.
Uses: Rose of Sharon is a popular landscaping plant due to its beautiful flowers and low maintenance requirements. It can be used as a hedge, screen, or accent plant.
Deer: Rose of Sharon is generally considered to be deer-resistant. However, it’s important to note that no plant is completely deer-proof, and deer may occasionally browse on it if other food sources are scarce.
Folklore: In some cultures, Rose of Sharon is considered a symbol of fertility, love, and abundance. In the Bible, it is mentioned as a symbol of beauty and perfection.
There are several reasons why you may want to consider growing this shrub:
Attractive flowers: It produces large, showy flowers with a unique funnel shape and a prominent central stamen, making them a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Low maintenance: It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It can tolerate drought and heat and is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
Long blooming season: It blooms from mid-summer to early fall, producing hundreds of flowers during this time. This makes it a great choice for adding color and interest to your garden during the late summer and early fall months.
Attracts pollinators: The flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, which attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This can help support these important species and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.
Versatility: It can be grown as a shrub, tree, or hedge, making it a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications.
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Genus | Hibiscus |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Wall-Side Borders, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Natali9ka, Shutterstock
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Genus | Hibiscus |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Wall-Side Borders, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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