Hibiscus syriacus Ultramarine (Rose of Sharon)

Hibiscus syriacus Ultramarine (Rose of Sharon) is a vigorous, upright, deciduous shrub noted for its single deep violet-blue flowers, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), adorned with a dark red throat. Blooming from midsummer to early fall, each flower lasts about one day and stands out against the green foliage of maple-like leaves. A very useful, structural shrub for the back of the border.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Typically grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) with a spread of 4-7 ft. (120-210 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in neutral, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Protect the roots in winter with organic mulch. Drought tolerant once established.
• Plant in shrub borders for dramatic summer blooms. Great flowering shrub for foundation plantings, hedges, city gardens, cottage gardens, and wall-side borders.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies, or powdery mildews. Deer resistant.
• Little or no pruning is required. Prune to keep the 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.