Hibiscus syriacus ‘Ardens’ (Rose of Sharon)

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Ardens’ (Rose of Sharon) is a compact, bushy, deciduous shrub noted for its ravishing lilac-pink double flowers adorned with darker veins in their center. Blooming profusely and reliably from early summer to fall, each flower lasts about one day and stands out against the foliage of maple-like, deeply toothed, green leaves. Stiffly upright with a vase shape, this Rose of Sharon is perfect for screens, hedges, borders, or specimen planting.

• Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) with a spread of 6-10 ft. (180-300 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in neutral, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Protect the roots in winter with an organic mulch. Drought tolerant once established. Very tolerant of summer heat and humidity.
• Plant in shrub borders for dramatic summer blooms. Great flowering shrub for foundation plantings, hedges, city gardens, cottage gardens, wall-side borders.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies or powdery mildews. Deer resistant.
• Little or no pruning required. Prune to keep desired form in early spring. Pruning back to 2-3 buds in late winter may produce larger blooms.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by layering in spring or autumn.
• Hibiscus syriacus species is native to south-central and southeast China.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.