How to Grow and Care for Rose of sharon

Rose of sharon, also known as Shrub Althea, Rose mallow, Syrian ketmia, Korean rose

Rose of sharon is a hardy shrub that thrives in full sun to partial shade. The plant is resilient and tolerant of various soil conditions, but it benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Pruning is crucial for rose of sharon, ideally done in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and promote vigorous blooming. Its ease of care and tolerance to pruning make rose of sharon suitable for beginner gardeners.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Rose of sharon

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	5.5-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	5-9

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Varieties of Rose of sharon

Rose of sharon 'Aphrodite'

Rose of sharon 'Aphrodite' is a Rose of Sharon cultivar, bred by the United States National Arboretum in the 1970s. Compared to the parent plant, the cultivar is more compact and features clear pink flowers that don't change their color like the parent's flowers do.

Rose of sharon 'Oiseau Bleu'

Also known as ‘Blue Bird’, rose of sharon 'Oiseau Bleu' is a large shrub (about 2.5 m tall) that bears violet-blue flowers that have red eyes and cream centers. These flowers bloom continuously from mid-summer to frost. Rose of sharon 'Oiseau Bleu' is a sterile Hibiscus cultivar that does not produce any viable seeds.

Rose of sharon 'Hamabo'

Fully frost hardy, the rose of sharon 'Hamabo' is valued among gardeners because of its large flowers. A variety of the Syrian ketmia, the rose of sharon 'Hamabo''s byname 'Hamabo' refers to the red splotch in the middle of the flower. Gardeners keep the rose of sharon 'Hamabo' for its year-round interest, with blooms from summer to fall and seed capsules in winter.

Rose of sharon 'William R. Smith'

Rose of sharon 'William R. Smith' is a deciduous shrub that has dark green, three-lobed leaves, and lone white flowers. These trumpet-shaped flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The bush grows up to 3 m high with a spread of 1.8 m. Rose of sharon 'William R. Smith' is named in honor of Reverand William Smith who was an avid gardener.

Rose of sharon 'Pink Giant'

Rose of sharon 'Pink Giant' is a large shrub that has dark green, lobed leaves and dark pink flowers with dark red centers. These flowers bloom from late summer to mid-autumn. This giant Hibiscus cultivar grows up to 2.5 m and can have a spread of 2 m.

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More General Info About Rose of sharon

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Rose of sharon exhibits a prominent erect and spreading growth with branches that stand upright, reaching heights of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters) and widths of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters). Its visual appeal is marked by large, showy, tropical-looking flowers, commonly having 5 petals, which are characteristic of the species. The foliage consists of 3-lobed leaves that measure 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in length, featuring a simple, alternate arrangement and coarsely toothed edges. After blooming, it bears a distinctive 5-valved, dehiscent fruit capsule that persists through winter.