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Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)

Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea

Hibiscus syriacus, Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Flowering Shrub, Pink flowers, Blue flowers, White flowers

An exotic beauty, Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon) is a vigorous, vase-shaped, deciduous shrub with large, showy flowers resembling hollyhock blossoms. Blooming continuously from midsummer to fall, the flowers, single or double, are adorned with conspicuous, protruding tubes of stamens. In shades of blue, red, pink and white, they decorate the bush until late in the season, a valuable attribute in most gardens. The foliage of broadly ovate, palmately veined leaves appears in late spring, pale yellow-green at first, becoming medium green.

Remarkably easy to grow, Hibiscus syriacus will flower year after year with very little attention. A very useful, structural shrub for the back of the border.

  • Typically grows with an open, loose habit, up to 8-12 ft. tall (240-360 cm) with a spread of 6-10 ft. (180-300 cm). Species plant can self-seed aggressively in satisfactory growing conditions.
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Prefers moist, organically rich soils, but tolerates poor soils. Tolerant of drought, urban conditions, heat and humidity.
  • Fairly pest and disease free. Watch for leaf spots, blights, rusts, canker and Japanese beetles. Deer resistant.
  • Plant in shrub borders for dramatic summer blooms. Great flowering shrub for foundation plantings, hedges or screens.
  • Prune to shape in spring. Pruning back to 2-3 buds in late winter may produce bigger blooms.
  • Easily propagated by stem cuttings.
  • Native to China, India, East Asia.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Rose of Sharon: How to Grow and Care with Success


Rose of Sharon, also known as Hibiscus syriacus, is a deciduous shrub that produces showy, hollyhock-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. It is native to Asia and is popular for its late summer blooming season, drought tolerance, and low maintenance.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2A, 2B, 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 Shrubs
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 8' - 12'
(240cm - 3.7m)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Painted Lady’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Fifth Dimension’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Cooperi’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hula Girl’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’ (Rose Mallow)
Hibiscus ‘Lord Baltimore’ (Rose Mallow)

Recommended Companion Plants

Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ (Mock Orange)
Atriplex hortensis var. rubra (Red Mountain Spinach)
Rosa ‘Iceberg’ (Floribunda Rose)
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Moor Grass)

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Hardy Hibiscus: How to Plant, Grow and Care
Hardy US Native Hibiscus to Grow
Tropical Hibiscus
Rose of Sharon: How to Grow and Care with Success
Native Plant Alternatives to Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2A, 2B, 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 Shrubs
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 8' - 12'
(240cm - 3.7m)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hibiscus
Guides with
Hibiscus
Not sure which Hibiscus to pick?
Compare Now

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