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Hibiscus syriacus ‘Ardens’ (Rose of Sharon)

Rose of Sharon 'Ardens', Shrub Althea 'Ardens'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens', Rose of Sharon 'Ardens', Shrub Althea 'Ardens', Flowering Shrub, Lavender flowers, Lavender Hibiscus

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.

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 Shrub Althea, Rose of Sharon
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120"
(180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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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 ‘Lord Baltimore’ (Rose Mallow)
Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Blue River II’ (Hardy Hibiscus)

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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 Shrub Althea, Rose of Sharon
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120"
(180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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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