Rose Of Sharon

(Hibiscus syriacus)

Rose Of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is a hardy deciduous shrub native to East Asia, particularly China, where it thrives in open woodlands and along forest edges. It typically reaches 2–4 m (7–13 feet) in height and has an upright, vase-shaped form. The shrub is known for its large, showy trumpet-shaped flowers with prominent yellow-tipped white stamens, blooming in a variety of colors including pink, dark pink (almost purple), light pink, or white. The flowering season extends through the summer, as each flower lasts only a day but is replaced by numerous buds on the new growth.

Rose of Sharon is valued for its prolonged and prolific summer blooming period, making it a favorite for ornamental use in gardens. It is often used for hedges, mixed borders, or as a stand-alone specimen. This shrub is remarkably adaptable, tolerating a range of soil types—sand, clay, chalk, and loam—as long as they are moist but well-drained. It is also resistant to air pollution, heat, humidity, poor soil, and drought, making it suitable for urban environments. While it can be somewhat invasive due to its seeding habit, proper management and selection of sterile cultivars can mitigate this issue. Cultivation requires full sun to part shade and moderate watering, with the plant being able to withstand frost, drought, and urban pollution.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 8-12 feet
  • Width: 6-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

East Asia, particularly China and Korea, thriving in open woodlands and along forest edges

Other Names

Common Names: Althea , Shrub Althea , Syrian Ketmia , Rose Mallow , 木槿 , Rose-Of-Sharon

Scientific Names: Hibiscus syriacus , Althaea frutex , Hibiscus chinensis , Hibiscus syriacus f. albus-plenus , Hibiscus syriacus f. totus-albus , Hibiscus syriacus f. violaceus , Hibiscus syriacus f. elegantissimus , Hibiscus syriacus f. amplissimus , Hibiscus syriacus f. grandiflorus , Hibiscus syriacus f. paeoniflorus

GBIF Accepted Name: Hibiscus syriacus L.