Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)

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.
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