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

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Red rose of sharon is a plant that is native to eastern Asia and is a member of the rose family. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to six feet tall and produces beautiful red flowers. The plant is commonly used as an ornamental plant and can be found in many gardens.

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

Popular name

  • Althea
  • Hibiscus syriacus
  • ophraella
  • Rose of Sharon
  • Tropical hibiscus

Things to Know

  • The red rose of sharon is a plant native to China.
  • It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be up to six feet tall.
  • The red rose of sharon has large, showy flowers that can be up to four inches in diameter.
  • The flowers of the red rose of sharon are typically a deep red color, but can also be pink, white, or purple.
  • The red rose of sharon is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its showy flowers and easy care.
  • This plant is also sometimes called the althea rose or the hibiscus syriacus.
  • The red rose of sharon is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil and climate conditions.
  • However, it does best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
  • The red rose of sharon is relatively low maintenance and does not require a lot of pruning or care.
  • This plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Growing Steps

  1. For red rose of sharon, first step is to select a proper site. This shrub prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The soil should be well-draining and of average fertility.
  2. Prepare the planting hole by digging it twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
  3. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  4. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  5. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it several inches away from the stem.
  6. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  7. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a general purpose fertilizer.
  8. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to shape it and encourage new growth.
  9. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful red rose of sharon plant!

Related plant:
Lime Green Hydrangea

Soil Condition

About soil condition, red rose of sharon prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant is tolerant of sandy and clay soils. If the soil is too alkaline, it can result in yellowing of the foliage.

About light

Similar to other roses, the red rose of Sharon does best in full sun. It will tolerate partial sun, but may not bloom as profusely. The plant does well in average to moist, well-drained soils. It is drought tolerant once established.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of the red rose of Sharon is a moderate temperature. This means that the plant should not be exposed to extreme temperatures, whether it be too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature range for the red rose of Sharon to grow in is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40% to 50%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and the flowers will wilt. If the air is too humid, the leaves will start to yellow and the flowers will drop. The ideal temperature for this plant is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will start to scorch and the flowers will fade. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves will start to turn black and the flowers will fall off.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant requires very little in the way of extra nutrients. A yearly top-dressing of compost is really all that is needed to keep your rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) happy and healthy. If you feel that your plant is looking a bit lackluster, you can give it a light compost tea or organic fertilizer in the spring. As for the roots, they are generally deep and not particularly fussy, although they do like a bit of organic matter in the soil. If you are planting in heavy clay soil, consider adding some sand to the planting hole to improve drainage.

About light

Pruning the red rose of Sharon is an important part of keeping this plant healthy and blooming. This plant blooms on new wood, so it is important to prune it in the late winter or early spring. This will encourage new growth and more flowers. When pruning, be sure to cut back the stems to just above where there are leaves or buds.

The Propagation

Propagation is generally done through rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the plant in late winter or early spring. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from new growth. The bottom portion of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist but not wet and in a bright, indirect light until new growth appears, which can take several weeks. Once new growth appears, you can transplant the young plants to their permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the application of fertilizer. A common rule of thumb is to apply 1/2 lb of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. of garden area. Water the area thoroughly after application. For best results, wait until after the plant blooms to fertilize.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include leaf spots, powdery mildew, rust, root rot, and Verticillium wilt. Leaf spots are characterized by small, dark spots on the leaves, while powdery mildew appears as a gray or white powdery coating on the leaves. Rust can cause red, orange, or yellow spots on the leaves, while root rot is characterized by brown or blackened roots. Verticillium wilt can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually drop off.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your red rose of Sharon in an area that gets full sun.
  • Be sure to water your plant regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks to help it grow and bloom.
  • Prune your plant regularly to keep it looking its best.
  • Be sure to deadhead spent blossoms to encourage new growth.
  • Protect your plant from strong winds and harsh weather conditions.
  • Bring your plant indoors during the colder months to keep it from dying.
  • Re-pot your plant every few years to give it fresh soil and room to grow.
  • Divide your plant every few years to create new plants.
  • Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your red rose of Sharon plant!

Similar Plants

  • Red Rose of Texas, Hibiscus laevis.
  • Fire Rose, Hibiscus coccineus.
  • Scarlet Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus.
  • Tropical Rose Mallow, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.
  • Strawberry Rose, Hibiscus fragilis.
  • Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus spp..
  • Chinese Lantern, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.
  • Hawaiian Hibiscus, Hibiscus brackenridgei.
  • Spanish Hibiscus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.
  • Lady's Mantle, Hibiscus syriacus.

Source:
Rose of Sharon varieties give options for gardens
Red Rose Senior Secondary School Rajajipuram Lucknow
Red Rose Public School Kanpur Road Lucknow

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