Rose Of Sharon Varieties

If you’re looking for a flowering shrub that brings months of color with very little fuss, look no further than rose of sharon varieties. These beautiful and easy to grow plants are a summer garden staple for good reason.

They thrive in many conditions and reward you with constant blooms. This guide will help you pick the perfect type and show you how to care for it.

The classic rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) has come a long way. Breeders have developed many stunning forms. You can now find them in a rainbow of colors and with different growth habits.

This means there’s one to fit almost any garden space or design. Let’s look at some of the most popular and reliable choices available.

Popular Types for Your Garden

Some varieties have become favorites because they perform so consistently. They offer great flower power and strong growth.

‘Diana’: This one has pure white, large flowers that stay open at night. It’s seedless, which means no unwanted seedlings.
‘Aphrodite’: It boasts large, pink flowers with a deep red eye. It’s known for it’s exceptional heat tolerance.
‘Minerva’: Also called ‘Lavender Chiffon’, it has lovely lavender-pink flowers with a lacy center. It flowers very heavily.
‘Blue Satin’: A standout for its rich, violet-blue flowers. The color is quite intense and really pops in the landscape.

Dwarf and Compact Forms

You don’t need a huge yard to enjoy these shrubs. Dwarf varieties are perfect for smaller gardens or containers.

‘Sugar Tip’: A real beauty with variegated cream-and-green leaves and double pink flowers. It stays quite manageable in size.
‘Lil’ Kim’: A true dwarf, covered in white flowers with a red eye. It might only reach three feet tall, making it very versatile.
‘Pollypetite’: Another small option, offering pink flowers on a plant that stays neat and rounded.

Double-Flowered and Unique Blooms

For a extra touch of elegance, consider varieties with double flowers. They look almost like small roses or peonies.

‘Ardens’: An old-fashioned double variety with purple-pink flowers. It has a lovely, bushy growth habit.
‘Red Heart’: A striking contrast of white petals with a bold red center. The single flowers are very eye-catching.
‘Collie Mullens’: Features large, double flowers in a deep purple-blue shade. It can be a bit harder to find but is worth it.

How to Choose the Right One for You

With so many options, picking can be tough. Think about these factors to narrow down your choice.

First, consider the space you have. Check the mature height and width listed on the plant tag. Make sure it will fit without constant pruning.

Next, think about color. Do you want it to blend with your other plants or stand out as a focal point? White varieties brighten shady corners, while deep blues and purples create drama.

Finally, decide if you want a seedless type. Some older varieties produce lots of seeds that can sprout up everywhere. Newer cultivars like the ‘Chiffon’ series are often seedless, which means less maintenance for you.

Planting Your Rose of Sharon for Success

Getting your shrub off to a good start is simple. Just follow these steps for the best results.

Pick the Spot: Choose a location that gets full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of sun is best for the most flowers.
Check the Soil: They adapt to many soils but prefer well-drained ground. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some compost when planting.
Dig the Hole: Make it twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Planting too deep can cause stem rot.
Place and Fill: Set the plant in the hole. Backfill with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Water Deeply: Give it a thorough soaking after planting. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to keep roots moist and cool.

Best Time to Plant

Spring or early fall are the ideal times. This gives the roots a chance to establish before summer heat or winter cold. Container plants can be planted in summer too, but they’ll need careful watering.

Caring for Your Shrub Year-Round

Once established, rose of Sharon is remarkably low-care. A little attention goes a long way.

Watering and Feeding

Water regularly during the first growing season. After that, they are quite drought-tolerant. During long dry spells, a deep watering once a week is beneficial.

Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. You can also use a layer of compost around the base. Avoid too much nitrogen, as it can promote leaves over flowers.

Pruning Made Simple

Pruning is optional but can improve shape and flowering. The best time is in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts.

Remember, they bloom on new wood. This means flowers form on the growth the plant makes in the current season. Don’t be afraid to prune.

Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches first.
To control size, you can cut branches back by up to one-third.
For a tree-like form, select a single main trunk and remove lower branches.

Dealing with Pests and Problems

These shrubs are generally trouble-free. Occasionally, you might see Japanese beetles or aphids. A strong spray of water from the hose often knocks aphids off.

Good air circulation helps prevent leaf spot diseases. Avoid overhead watering in the evening. Picking the right spot from the beginning is the best prevention.

Design Ideas for Your Landscape

Rose of Sharon is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to use it in your yard.

Use a row of them to create a flowering summer hedge. The ‘Lil’ Kim’ variety is perfect for a low hedge. Taller varieties make a good privacy screen.

Plant one as a standalone specimen in a border. It’s late summer bloom time fills the gap when many other shrubs have finished flowering.

They also mix well in perennial gardens. Their upright structure adds height behind flowers like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans. The color combinations are endless.

Propagating New Plants

Want to make more plants for free? It’s easy to propagate rose of Sharon from cuttings.

In mid-summer, take a 6-inch cutting from new growth (softwood).
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a moist, soilless potting mix.
Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create humidity and place in indirect light.
Keep the soil slightly moist. Roots should develop in a few weeks.

Seasonal Checklist

Spring: Apply fertilizer or compost. Prune if needed. Watch for new growth.
Summer: Enjoy the blooms! Water during extended drought. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms, but isn’t necessary.
Fall: Enjoy late flowers. No need to prune. You can collect seed pods if you want to try growing from seed.
Winter: The plant is dormant. It’s a good time to plan any landscape changes. Its interesting branch structure adds winter interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rose of Sharon the same as hibiscus?
Yes, it’s botanical name is Hibiscus syriacus. It’s a hardy, temperate-zone cousin of the tropical hibiscus. It loses it’s leaves in winter.

How fast does rose of Sharon grow?
It has a moderate growth rate, typically adding 1 to 2 feet per year under good conditions. Growth slows as the plant matures.

When does rose of sharon bloom?
It’s a late bloomer, typically flowering from midsummer through early fall, often when other shrubs are done.

Can I grow rose of Sharon in a pot?
Absolutely. Choose a dwarf variety and a large container with drainage holes. Use quality potting mix and water more frequently than in-ground plants.

Are rose of Sharon roots invasive?
The root system is not typically invasive, but the plant can self-seed prolifically with some older varieties. Choosing a sterile cultivar prevents this.

With so many beautiful rose of sharon varieties available, you’re sure to find one that fits your garden. Their long bloom season and easygoing nature make them a rewarding choice for both new and experienced gardeners. Give them some sun and basic care, and they’ll provide beauty for many years to come.