How to Feed a Rose of Sharon Shrub

The rose of Sharon is a member of the mallow family, distantly related to the hibiscus. Like many hibiscus plants, it requires quite a few nutrients. Once a rose of Sharon has been planted, you will soon need to fertilize the bush to supplement the nutrients that it takes from the soil. Although it requires frequent doses of fertilizer, it does not need heavy doses. Under-fertilizing it will cause the plant to turn yellow, while over-fertilizing it can cause it to drop its blooms.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slow-release granular fertilizer
• Rake
• Garden hose

1. Select a fertilizer that is rich in potassium and nitrogen. Potassium will encourage bloom development, while nitrogen helps to promote foliage growth.

2. Scratch 1-inch furrows into the soil around the drip line of the rose of Sharon.

3. Apply fertilizer into the furrows. Cover the furrows over with dirt using the rake. Water the fertilizer with a garden hose to allow the nutrients from the fertilizer to leech into the soil. Repeat the process every four months.

References

• Hibiscus
• Hibiscus Syriacus
• Rose of Sharon