Rose of Sharon

my rose of sharon are trimmed into tree shapes and frame house and path corners. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon is a type of hibiscus (hibiscus syriacus) It is a member of the mallow family, Malvaceae. Other popular hibiscus varieties include Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos), and swamp hibiscus (Hibiscus laevis).

Rose of Sharon is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall. It has large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, blue, and purple. The blue and purple ones can be hard to distinguish. Some pink ones also start pink and fade to purple.

The flowers bloom from summer to fall. Rose of Sharon is a relatively easy plant to care for and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

rose of sharon flowers are 6-8 inches wide and bumblebee favorites. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

How to Plant Rose of Sharon

Here are some tips for growing rose of Sharon:

  • Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil.

  • Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.

  • Fertilize every few months with a balanced fertilizer.

  • Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches.

Rose of Sharon is a beautiful and versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscape settings. It can be planted as a stand-alone shrub, in a shrub border, or as a hedge.

Rose of Sharon is also a popular choice for cut flowers and is a pollinator favorite.

Charlotte