How to Grow Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is one of the few shrubs that blooms in the summer garden. This deciduous favorite maintains its neat upright shape growing to a height of eight to 10 feet. Its slow growth rate, pest resistance and minimal maintenance requirements make it a perfect choice for both formal and informal gardens. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose your planting site. Rose of Sharon grows best in full sun but also does well in part shade/part sun.
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Dig your planting hole the depth of the root ball and two to three times the width of the container.
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Remove the shrub from the container carefully by gently tapping the pot on the ground and easing the plant out.
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Place the shrub in the planting hole and fill with water. Allow the soil and plant to absorb it.
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Backfill the original soil into the planting hole. Water again thoroughly.
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Mulch the entire planting with a layer of mulch or other organic material to a depth of two to three inches.
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Tips & Warnings
Rose of Sharon grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5B through 9A. Make sure it is a suitable plant for your zone by checking the Hardiness Zone Map.
If planting more than one Rose of Sharon,space the plants from six to 10 feet apart depending upon the estimated size of the plant at maturity.
There are many Rose of Sharon cultivators. Colors include blue, pink, purple, lavender, red and white. Some have flowers that strongly resemble the familiar hibiscus; others have small double petals that appear rose-like. Check your plant catalogs or local nursery for available cultivators.
This shrub has few soil requirements and is drought tolerant. It does best in well-drained soil or occasionally wet soil
Rose of Sharon flowers are a favorite of Japanese beetles in northern gardens. The beetles won't hurt the plant, but they do make the blooms unsightly.
This plant is propagated by cuttings. However, seeds form after the plant has bloomed and will often germinate in the flower bed. To avoid this, remove the seed heads after the plant has bloomed in summer. This is also a good time to prune.
