How to Grow Althea Rose Of Sharon - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Althea rose of sharon is a plant that is native to China and Korea. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall. The flowers of the althea rose of sharon are white or pink and they bloom in the summertime.

How to Grow Althea Rose Of Sharon - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Althea
  • Hibiscus
  • Rose of Sharon
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Carnation

Things to Know

  • The Althea rose of Sharon is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall.
  • It has large, showy flowers that range in color from white to pink to purple.
  • The Althea is native to China and Korea, but it has been introduced to North America and Europe.
  • It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
  • The Althea is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and climates.
  • It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
  • The Althea is relatively low-maintenance and does not require a lot of care.
  • It is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, but these can usually be controlled with proper care.
  • The Althea is a popular choice for cut flowers and bouquets.
  • It can also be dried and used in potpourris and other dried arrangements.

Related plant:
Althea Flower

How to Grow

  1. For althea rose of sharon, first step is to find a suitable location. It should be in full sun with well-drained soil.
  2. Next, prepare the planting area by removing all the weeds and loosening the soil.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Tamp down the soil gently and water deeply.
  6. Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.
  7. Althea rose of sharon will need to be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  8. Fertilize in early spring with a general purpose fertilizer.
  9. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and encourage new growth.
  10. Enjoy the beautiful flowers that althea rose of sharon produces!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Althea rose of Sharon prefers well-drained soils but can grow in a range of soil types, including heavy clay. The plant is tolerant of some drought but performs best with consistent moisture. It does not tolerate overly wet soils, which can cause root rot. Althea rose of Sharon is also tolerant of salt and urban pollution.

Light requirement

So, like the other roses, Althea rose of Sharon requires full sun to partial sun to produce the most flowers. Too much shade will produce fewer flowers and the flowers will be smaller. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soils as long as the soil is well-drained.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition was very hot. The sun was blazing and there was no relief from the heat. The air was thick and humid. The only thing that was cool was the water. The water was refreshing and felt good on the skin. It was a relief to be in the water.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. Althea rose of Sharon can NOT tolerate dry or humid conditions. If the air is too dry, the leaves will begin to drop. If the air is too humid, the leaves will begin to yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this family of plant nutrients (including but not limited to manure, compost, sludge, and commercial chemical fertilizers) is added to the soil to provide one or more of the essential plant nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Fertilizers can be organic or inorganic, each with distinct characteristics and uses. While most organic fertilizers release their nutrients slowly over time, inorganic fertilizers provide a fast boost of nutrients that can quickly green up a lawn or garden.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your plant healthy and looking its best. Althea rose of sharon is a beautiful plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. However, it is important to prune this plant properly in order to ensure that it remains healthy and continues to produce beautiful flowers. When pruning althea rose of sharon, it is important to remove any dead or damaged leaves or branches. This will help the plant to focus its energy on producing new growth. It is also important to trim back any overgrown areas to encourage new growth. With proper pruning, your althea rose of sharon will continue to provide beauty to your garden for many years to come.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Althea rose of sharon can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering. Seed propagation is the simplest and most common method of propagation. To propagate althea rose of sharon by seed, the seeds must be collected from the parent plant. The seeds can then be sown in pots or trays filled with a well-drained, sterile seed-starting mix. Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden. Cuttings propagation is another common method of propagation. To propagate althea rose of sharon by cuttings, the stems must be cut from the parent plant. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, new growth. The cuttings should then be placed in a pot or tray filled with a well-drained, sterile seed-starting mix. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden. Layering is a type of propagation that can be done with althea rose of sharon. To propagate althea rose of sharon by layering, a stem must be bent and buried in the soil. The buried portion of the stem will then root and form a new plant. Once the new plant has rooted, it can be transplanted into an individual pot or into the garden.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 2 to 3 feet per year. However, some may grow up to 4 feet per year given the right conditions. The average height for this plant is 6 to 12 feet. Althea rose of sharon may live up to 15 years with proper care.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: 1) too much or too little water; and 2) powdery mildew. If you water your althea rose of sharon too much, the leaves will start to turn yellow and then brown and fall off the plant. If you water it too little, the leaves will also turn yellow and brown and eventually fall off. Powdery mildew is a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by a fungus and can be controlled with a fungicide.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your althea regularly, especially when first planting it.
  • Place your althea in an area that gets full sun for best results.
  • Fertilize your althea monthly during the growing season.
  • To encourage more blooming, deadhead spent flowers.
  • Cut back your althea annually to keep it from becoming overgrown.
  • Watch for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  • Mulch around your althea to help retain moisture and keep roots cool.
  • Stake taller varieties of althea to prevent them from falling over.
  • Bring your althea indoors for the winter if you live in a cold climate.
  • Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your althea all season long!

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Source:
Althea, Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
TCU Family Weekend | Rose of Sharon Althea
Althea, Rose-of-Sharon - courses.missouristate.edu

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category