Thursday, September 22, 2011

Rose of Sharon

USDA hardiness zones 5-9
Hibiscus syriacus


This Rose of Sharon bush grows in sandy soil in Lansing, New York in a northwest corner bed.  Sitting in the sunroom you can look out the window to see the pinkish lavendar blossoms. The shrub was in full bloom when we arrived back from holidays in late August.


The Rose of Sharon is a deciduous flowering shrub.  This shrub presently measures about 2 feet tall.  It can grow to a height of 8 to 10 feet with a spread of 4 to 6 feet.  The blooms can be red, lavendar, white or blue. 


The Rose of Sharon is a multi-stemmed bush but can be pruned in late winter into one stem to resemble a more tree like plant.  This should be begun in it's first two seasons.  This bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil.