Rose of Sharon: How to Grow and Care with Success
Hibiscus syriacus, Syrian hibiscus, Althea, Shrub Althea
What is Rose of Sharon?
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.
Why should I Grow a Rose of Sharon?
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.
Guide Information
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 |
Plant Family | Hibiscus |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Natali9ka, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
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 |
Plant Family | Hibiscus |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |