Rose of Sharon Growing Tips

The hardy rose of sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) produces trumpet-shaped flowers in pink, purple or white from summer to mid-fall over dark green, three-lobed foliage. Use this deciduous shrub as a focal point or specimen plant in a garden bed, a hedgerow or as a backdrop for shorter plants and flowers.

Fertilize

Rose of sharon needs fertilizer twice a year: in spring when the plants emerge from dormancy and again in midsummer to boost flowering. The plant prefers a balanced, time-release fertilizer that contains lots of phosphorus and is low in nitrogen.

If your rose of sharon is struggling, consider giving it a little extra water and shade. This will help cool its leaves, roots, and soil, a critical part of healthy growth.

It also prevents the fungi that cause leaf spots from growing on the foliage. This can cause yellow and wilted leaves.

To transplant your plant, dig a hole about 2 times wider than the root ball and as deep as the existing roots. Set your plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is a few inches above ground level, backfill the soil around it, and tamp down lightly.

Hibiscus syriacus grows well in a wide variety of well-drained soils. If you have poor drainage, improve it by adding compost or other organic matter to the planting area.

Water

The rose of sharon is a popular, hardy hibiscus that produces colorful blooms that attract pollinators. It’s also a good choice for landscapes because it can tolerate poor soil and drought, making it a versatile plant for most gardeners.

This shrub grows well in full sun or partial shade, and needs a moisture-rich, nutrient-dense soil that drains well. It’s best to add a layer of mulch around the roots to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.

In spring, apply a slow-release fertilizer to promote flowering. It’s also recommended that you prune back the tips of 2-4 branches to encourage new growth and re-shape your shrub.

Watering should be evenly distributed throughout the growing season to avoid leaves that turn yellow and fall off, or stems that wilt. Overwatering can also lead to the development of mushy, rotten plants.

Pruning

Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as rose of Sharon, shrub althea or Chinese hibiscus, is an easy-to-grow flowering shrub that’s popular for its exotic-looking blooms and hardiness. It can be used as a landscape plant in any climate, but it’s best grown in moist soils that are well-drained.

To keep this shrub in an attractive shape, prune it regularly to maintain its upright form and remove any untidy, out-of-place growth. Younger shrubs may respond well to light pruning, while older specimens might require a more extreme branch removal.

Pruning your rose of sharon will help you aesthetically shape it, encourage more flowers to grow and bloom, and ensure proper air flow between branches. This is especially important if your rose of sharon grows cross-branches, which can lead to tangled and ineffective airflow, and can create the perfect breeding ground for pests and diseases.

Diseases

The Rose of Sharon plant (Hibiscus syriacus) is a popular shrub or small tree with tropical-inspired blooms. The large flowers begin to open in late June and continue through August.

These plants are highly adaptable and can tolerate nearly any soil condition, but they do need to be kept well-watered to thrive. They also thrive when positioned in full sun.

Inadequate light can cause Rose of Sharon to lose leaves, display pale green or drooping foliage, and develop spindly new growth that may be prone to insect infestation. Pay attention to these signs and provide more sunlight or supplemental lighting when possible.

Diseases are a common concern for many types of flowering plants. The good news is that most diseases are fungus-based and can be avoided by practicing good planting and maintenance practices.