Rose of Sharon

The Rose of Sharon is a common name for a beautiful, flowering, deciduous shrub. While the name might suggest a connection to actual roses, it is not a rose at all. The plant most often referred to as Rose of Sharon is Hibiscus syriacus, a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), making it a relative of plants like hollyhock and okra.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: Rose of Sharon is an upright, vase-shaped shrub that can grow to a height of 8 to 12 feet, with a spread of 6 to 10 feet. It is known for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that can be up to 3 inches in diameter.
• Flowers: The flowers, which bloom from mid-summer into autumn, come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, lavender, and purple. Many varieties have a contrasting color in the throat of the flower, such as a deep red or maroon. While individual flowers last only a day, the plant produces numerous buds, ensuring a long and continuous blooming period.
• Foliage: The leaves are lobed, with a distinct maple-like shape, and are a medium green. They are one of the last shrubs to leaf out in the spring, which can be a point of concern for new gardeners.
• Hardiness: Hibiscus syriacus is a hardy plant, generally growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. It is tolerant of both heat and drought once established, and it can also withstand cold winters.

Growing and Care

Rose of Sharon is a low-maintenance shrub that is relatively easy to grow.

• Sunlight: It thrives in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate partial shade, but this will result in fewer blooms.
• Soil: It prefers moist, well-draining soil but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. It is tolerant of a wide range of pH levels, from slightly acidic to neutral and alkaline.
• Watering: Water newly planted shrubs regularly to help them establish a strong root system. Once mature, they are quite drought-tolerant, but they will flower best with consistent moisture. Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged.
• Pruning: Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, as the plant blooms on new wood. Pruning can be used to maintain shape and size, and to encourage more branching, which leads to more flowers.
• Fertilizer: Mature plants generally do not require regular fertilization. If your soil is poor, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring or work a layer of compost into the soil around the base of the plant. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can promote foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

History and Symbolism

The name “Rose of Sharon” has a long and complex history. It is a biblical term, but the plant referred to in the Bible is not Hibiscus syriacus. Scholars believe the biblical plant was likely a type of crocus or lily. The name was later applied to Hibiscus syriacus in North America.

In South Korea, Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower, known as mugunghwa, which means “eternal blossom that never fades.” It symbolizes the undying endurance and eternal beauty of the Korean people and is mentioned in the national anthem.