Purple 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 and 8 feet wide. The purple rose of sharon has purple flowers that bloom in the summer and fall.
Popular name
- Althea
- Hibiscus syriacus
- Hardy hibiscus
- Rose mallow
- Swamp rose mallow
Common Knowledge
- The purple rose of Sharon is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
- It has large, purple flowers that bloom from June to September.
- The purple rose of Sharon is native to eastern Asia, specifically Korea, China, and Japan.
- It was introduced to Europe in the early 17th century and then brought to North America in the 18th century.
- The purple rose of Sharon is also known as the althea, rose of Sharon, or hardy hibiscus.
- It is a popular landscaping plant because it is easy to care for and tolerant of a variety of growing conditions.
- The purple rose of Sharon can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
- It is generally pest and disease free, although it can be susceptible to aphids, scale, and whiteflies.
- The purple rose of Sharon attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- It is a larval host plant for the painted lady butterfly.
Related plant:
Leycesteria Formosa Purple Rain
Planting Process
- For purple rose of sharon, first step is to find a suited location.
- The second step is to prepare the soil for planting by adding organic matter and loosening it to a depth of about 12 inches.
- The third step is to dig a hole that is at least twice the width and depth of the plants container.
- The fourth step is to remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- The fifth step is to backfill the hole with the loosened soil, tamping it gently as you go to remove any air pockets.
- The sixth step is to water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
- The seventh step is to add a layer of mulch around the plant, being sure to keep it several inches away from the stem.
- The eighth step is to water the plant regularly, being careful not to overdo it.
- The ninth step is to fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season.
- The tenth and final step is to prune the plant as needed to encourage new growth and to shape it as desired.
Related plant:
Purple Leaf Shrub
Considering the Soil
About soil condition, the Purple rose of Sharon prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some occasional flooding. The plant is not too particular about soil type and can grow in both sandy and clay soils, as long as the drainage is good.
About light
Similar to other roses, the purple rose of Sharon needs a good amount of sun to thrive. It's best to plant it in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you live in a hotter climate, you may need to provide some shade for your purple rose of Sharon during the hottest hours of the day.
The Temperature
The temperature condition for the purple rose of sharon is that it should be planted in full sun to partial shade. It is best to plant it in a location that gets good sunlight in the morning but is protected from the hot afternoon sun.
Humidity Requirement
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the plant will stop growing. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will rot and the plant will die.
Fertilizer Requirement
Discussing fertilizer, this plant does well with a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer in early spring. However, too much nitrogen will produce excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Rose of Sharon is not a heavy feeder, and over-fertilization will result in fewer flowers and smaller flower size. An organic fertilizer such as compost or manure can be used as a top dressing in early spring, which will provide a slow release of nutrients over time.
Plant Pruning
Pruning the purple rose of Sharon is a simple process that can be done with just a few steps. First, identify the desired shape or size of the plant. Second, using clean and sharp pruning shears, cut away any dead or diseased wood. Finally, cut back any overgrown branches to the desired length.
About Propagating
Propagation of purple rose of sharon is relatively easy. Cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer will readily root if kept moist. Layering is also possible. Plants can be divided in spring.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, meaning the plant can grow up to 2 feet per year. The plant typically matures anywhere from 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, with a sturdy frame and branches. The blooms are large and showy, and the plant produces an abundance of nectar, making it a great choice for pollinators.
Common Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with the proper fungicide. Aphids can also be a problem and can be controlled with an insecticide.
Growing Tips
- Make sure to plant your purple rose of sharon in an area that gets full sun.
- Prepare the soil before planting by adding some organic matter to help with drainage.
- When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball.
- Water your newly planted purple rose of sharon regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize your purple rose of sharon every few weeks during the growing season.
- Once your plant is established, you can cut it back by up to one-third to encourage bushier growth.
- In late summer, you can deadhead the flowers to prolong blooming.
- In the fall, cut back any dead or damaged branches.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch around your purple rose of sharon in the winter to help protect it from the cold.
Related Plants
- Pink
- White
- Lavender
- Purple
- Blue
- Pink
- White
- Lavender
- Purple
Source:
Basyes Purple - roses.tamu.edu
Sharon Rose - Linguistics
PURPLE ACADEMY | PM COMPANY
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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