Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus

Its ruffled blooms open like crumpled silk at summer’s end. Deciduous flowering shrub; common name: Rose of Sharon.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms with 6+ hours of direct daily sunlight
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; tolerates summer heat up to 35°C; protect young plants from severe frost
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Simple, ovate to lobed leaves with serrated margins; medium green, matte texture
  • Flower: Showy, 5-petaled blooms in white, pink, purple, or blue; central stamen column prominent
  • Stem: Slender, woody stems with light brown bark; dense branching habit
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Banana peel tea:Soak 2–3 chopped banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solids to avoid pest infestations
Pruning
  • Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and shape the shrub
  • Thin crowded branches to improve airflow and light penetration
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering
  • Cut back overgrown stems to maintain desired height and compact form
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: National flower of South Korea; symbolizes beauty and longevity in Korean culture

Usage: Ornamental garden shrub, hedge plant, and cut flower