Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus
A stunning late-summer bloomer that produces tropical-looking hibiscus flowers when most other shrubs have finished flowering. This hardy deciduous shrub is incredibly low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for busy gardeners. The abundant blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds while providing beautiful privacy screening.
Harvest
Not applicabled
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
5–9
USDA hardiness
Height
8-12 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Rose of Sharon in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Rose of Sharon · Zones 5–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: #hummingbird friendly#deciduous#small tree#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#nectar plant#salt tolerant#tsc#air pollution tolerant#specialized bees#ncemgva2018#fast growing#aggressive#children's garden#playground plant#dragonflies#pollinator plant#fantz#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#tsc-s#bee friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#landscape plant sleuths course#hedge#wildlife friendly#cpp#weedy#HS303#fpp. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet. Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: High.
Harvesting
A 5-valved dehiscent capsule, 3/4" long and wide, brown; persists through winter.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: S. China, Taiwan
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Heat, Salt, Wet Soil
- +Attracts: Mildly resistant to damage by deer, moderate salt tolerance.
- +Wildlife value: Attractive to hummingbirds. Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators while repelling pests like aphids
Marigold
Deters aphids, whiteflies, and other common shrub pests with natural compounds
Clematis
Climbing vine that uses Rose of Sharon as support while adding vertical interest
Hostas
Thrives in partial shade created by the shrub and provides contrasting foliage
Bee Balm
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects that help with pest control
Catmint
Repels ants and aphids while attracting beneficial pollinators
Astilbe
Tolerates partial shade from shrub and adds colorful plumes in summer
Sedum
Drought-tolerant groundcover that complements the shrub's water needs
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can damage Rose of Sharon roots
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress nearby plant growth
Sunflower
Competes aggressively for nutrients and water, can stunt shrub growth
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases, occasionally affected by leaf spot
Common Pests
Aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites
Diseases
Leaf spot, canker, root rot in poorly drained soils