Rose of Sharon - Hibiscus syriacus

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Rose of Sharon - Hibiscus syriacus
Dayton Nurseries, Inc.

Easily grown, shrubs are usually planted in the perennial garden because of the abundance of colorful flowers. Too much or too little water or over fertilization will cause buds to drop from this plant. This plant is capable of self-sowing to the point of being a nuisance if the soil beneath is suitable for germinating. Flowers are produced on new growth so prune in late winter, if you wish to control its size. Pruning is not necessary for flower production. Shrubs are easy to transplant bare root or balled and burlapped. Plants in flower attract hummingbirds.


Common Name: Rose of Sharon, Althaea, Shrub Althaea
Botanical Name: Hibiscus syriacus
Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
Soil Preference: This plant tolerates some drought, occasional wetness and some salt and will also grow in dry to wet soils but prefers well-drained, loamy, sandy or clay soils with a pH of acidic to slightly alkaline
(6.8 - 7.7)
Light Requirements: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Attributes: Naturalizing, Attracts birds, Attracts butterflies
Pests: Aphids may cover the leaves with sticky honeydew. Japanese beetles have been known to snack on the flowers in our region.
Diseases: Leaf spots can infect the foliage. Canker can kill branches or entire plants. Flowers may be infected with a blight caused by a fungus.
Care: Pruning is not necessary for flower production. Fertilize with Plant-tone approximately April 1st, May 20th, July 4th, August 15th & October 30th. Keep granular fertilizers off foliage and away from stems and trunks. Use 1/2 the recommended rate of fertilizer for new plantings.

Varieties:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Marlin'
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-8

Description: Selected for it's excellent blue color seldom found in other summer blooming shrubs. 'Blue Marlin' is a vigorous, upright grower.
Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 8-12'
Spread: 4-5'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana'
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-9

Description: A triploid with large pure white flowers that remain open at night; the foliage is a waxy dark green. A National Arboretum release in 1970.
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 8-10'
Spread: 6-10'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Helene'
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-9

Description: White flowers with a reddish-purple blush at the base.
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 10-12'
Spread: 6-8'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Jeanne d' Arc'
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-9

Description: Double white flowers.
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 10-12'
Spread: 6-12'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Notwoodone'
('Lavender Chiffon' TM)
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-9

Description: New! Large, single lavender flowers adorned with a lacy center to create an anemone-like bloom. You'll also appreciate this plants strong growth
Bloom Color: Lavender
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 8-12'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Lucy'
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-9

Description: Double light red blooms in late summer.
Bloom Color: Light Red
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 8-12'
Spread: 8-10'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva'
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-9

Description: Lavender flowers with dark red eyes.
Bloom Color: Lavender
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 10-15'
Spread: 6-10'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart'
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-9

Description: Large shrub or small tree with medium green foliage producing single white flowers with a red center.
Bloom Color: White w/red center
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 10-15'
Spread: 6-10'

Hibiscus syriacus 'White Chiffon' TM
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-9

Description: New! Breathtaking! Large, single white flowers adorned with a lacy center to create an anemone-like bloom. You'll also appreciate this plants strong growth
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 10-15'
Spread: 6-10'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge'
Rose of Sharon
zones 5-9

Description: Very erect, upright deciduous shrub or tree. Large rosy-pink flowers with red center. Blooms summer to fall.
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: June-Frost
Foliage Color: Green
Height: 10-15'
Spread: 6-10'

©Dayton Nurseries, Inc.2009