Maintenance Landscaping Design

Rose of sharon varieties is a plant that is native to Asia and is a part of the hibiscus family. This plant is known for its large, showy flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. There are many different varieties of rose of sharon, and they come in a variety of colors including white, pink, purple, and red.

Alternative name

• Althea rose
  
• Hibiscus syriacus
  
• Rose mallow
  
• Swamp rose mallow
  
• Crapemyrtle

Common Knowledge

• The rose of sharon is a species of flowering plant in the hibiscus family.
  
• It is native to eastern Asia, from China and Korea south to Japan.
  
• The rose of sharon is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 3–5 m (8–14 ft) tall.
  
• The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to lanceolate, 6–15 cm (4–9 in) long and 3–10 cm (2–9 in) broad.
  
• The flowers are borne in summer in axillary or terminal clusters of 2-12 blooms, each flower 6–8 cm (4–1 in) diameter, with five white or pink petals.
  
• The fruit is a capsule 3–4 cm (2–6 in) long, containing numerous small seeds.
  
• The rose of sharon is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
  
• It is also used as a rootstock for grafting other hibiscus species.
  
• The rose of sharon is sometimes called the "tree of a thousand names", due to the many different cultivars and hybrids that have been developed.
  
• Some of the more popular cultivars include 'Aphrodite', 'Meyer's Pink', and 'Dwarf Blue'.

Related plant:
Modern Shrub Rose

Planting Process

1. For rose of sharon varieties, first step is to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
   
2. Prepare the planting hole by digging it twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball.
   
3. Set the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
   
4. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
   
5. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
   
6. Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
   
7. Water regularly during the first growing season to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
   
8. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
   
9. Cut back the plant in late fall or early winter to encourage new growth in the spring.
   
10. Enjoy the beautiful flowers!

Related plant:
Purple Rose Bush

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Rose of Sharon thrives in average to poor soil that is well-drained. The plant is not particular about soil pH and will do well in both slightly acidic and slightly alkaline soils. Soil that is too rich in nutrients will cause the plant to produce an abundance of foliage at the expense of flowers.

Light requirement

Like the other roses, the rose of Sharon requires full sun in order to thrive. Without at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, the plant will likely become leggy and produce fewer flowers. If you live in an area with hot summers, some afternoon shade may be appreciated to prevent the leaves from burning.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for the rose of sharon varieties is warm. The rose of sharon varieties need a temperature that is warm to hot in order to thrive. They will not do well in an environment that is too cold or too hot. They need to be in an environment that is humid and has good air circulation.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50% The Rose of Sharon is a type of hibiscus that is native to Asia. There are many different varieties of Rose of Sharon, and they can range in color from white to pink to purple. The Rose of Sharon is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, but it prefers a humid environment. If the air is too dry, the plant will drop its leaves.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a general-purpose fertilizer that has a ratio such as 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer before new growth begins in the spring. For the root, the Rose of Sharon is a very hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It is best to plant the Rose of Sharon in a sunny location.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of rose of sharon care. It helps to keep the plant healthy and promotes new growth.deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done with softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken from the new growth of the season. Hardwood cuttings can also be taken, but they are more difficult to root. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have several leaves. New growth is typically more vigorous and has a higher success rate for rooting. Rooting hormone can be used to encourage rooting, but is not necessary. The cuttings should be placed in moist potting mix and placed in a bright, but not direct, location. They should be kept moist, but not wet, and should not be allowed to dry out. After a few weeks, the roots should be well-established and the plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate at a moderate to fast rate. However, there are some that are quite slow-growing. When choosing a rose of sharon for your garden, be sure to select one that is appropriate for the space you have available and the amount of time you are willing to wait for it to reach its full potential.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with the proper fungicide application. Insects are not generally a problem for this plant, but if you see any aphids, whiteflies, or scale, you can control them with an insecticide.

Basics of Growing

• If you are growing rose of sharon in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes.
  
• Water regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  
• Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune regularly to promote growth and prevent the plant from getting too leggy.
  
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
  
• Place in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  
• Cut back the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
  
• Propagate by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your rose of sharon plant!

Related Plants

• Chrysanthemum "Nara"
  
• Lantana "Mohave"
  
• Verbena "Children's Painted"
  
• Verbena "Goodland"
  
• Verbena "Revere"
  
• Verbena "Saugeana"
  
• Verbena "Sarasota Blue"
  
• Verbena "Southgate"
  
• Verbena "Temptation"

Source:
Ask IFAS: Rose-of-Sharon - University of Florida
Rose of Sharon has high growth potential - Mississippi State …
Althea (Rose of Sharon) | Texas Plant Disease Handbook