Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens' (d)
ABOUT
Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens', commonly known as the Rose of Sharon, is a striking deciduous flowering shrub. The appearance of this plant is characterized by its lush foliage and large, showy blooms. The leaves of the Rose of Sharon are bright green, with a slightly glossy finish and a toothed edge. The shape of the leaves is oval to heart-shaped, which adds to the overall textural interest of the shrub. The standout feature of the plant, however, is its flowers. The flowers have a ruffled, double form that resembles a carnation, making them particularly ornate and attractive. Each bloom boasts a rich lavender or purple color, with a deeper red or purple eye in the center. The petals have a delicate, tissue-paper texture which adds to the flower's elegance. Adding further to its charm, the blooms are held prominently on the branches throughout the flowering season, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden. The contrast between the flowers and the foliage creates an eye-catching display, making the Rose of Sharon an attractive choice for ornamental gardening.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Rose of Sharon, Syrian Ketmia, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens'.
ToxicityTo humans
Rose of Sharon is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported for the ingestion of any part of this plant. While it is not poisonous, it's always advised to avoid eating ornamental plants as a precaution and because they may cause mild stomach upset in some individuals due to the plant's fibrous nature.
To pets
Rose of Sharon is considered to have low toxicity for pets. However, it has been known to cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals if ingested. Symptoms of ingestion might include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If a pet consumes a large amount of the plant, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian, although serious complications are rare.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
China, Korea
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, provides aesthetic appeal with its double lilac-purple flowers that enhance the beauty of landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: It invites beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the health of local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this variety of Rose of Sharon is quite tolerant of drought, making it suitable for regions with periodic water shortages.
- Long Blooming Period: Enjoy prolific blooming from mid-summer to early fall, adding color and interest to gardens for an extended period.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in a range of climates, typically from USDA zones 5 through 8, making it versatile for various garden settings.
- Low Maintenance: The plant requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional pruning and watering during prolonged dry spells.
- Versatility in Garden Design: It can be used as a hedge, a stand-alone feature, or in mixed borders, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Tolerance of Pruning: It responds well to pruning, allowing gardeners to easily shape the plant and control its size.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in a row or as a dense shrub, it can provide a natural privacy screen for your yard or garden area.
- Year-Round Interest: Even when not in bloom, the shrub has a pleasing, upright form and leathery green leaves that provide visual interest throughout the year.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest that extracts of Hibiscus syriacus have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidant: Hibiscus syriacus may contain compounds with antioxidant properties, which can help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics. The flower's deep purple color imparts a light lavender tint on cloth.
- The flowers of the Rose of Sharon can be steeped in water to create a fragrant floral water that can be used for bathing or as a linen spray.
- The blooms can be pressed and used to adorn stationary or book covers, adding a touch of natural beauty to paper goods.
- When dried, the petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes, contributing both color and a subtle fragrance.
- The wood of Rose of Sharon is hard and can be used in woodworking to create small items such as decorative boxes or inlays.
- As an ornamental shrub, its dense foliage can provide shelter and privacy, making it an excellent choice for hedges or boundary plantings.
- The plant can be trained into different shapes, such as standards or even bonsai forms, offering a creative outlet for gardeners with an interest in topiary.
- The Rose of Sharon can be part of a mixed wildlife hedge, providing nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies while also offering berries for birds.
- As a symbol of beauty and resilience, the plant can be used in ceremonies or celebrations as a natural decoration to symbolize these traits.
- Lastly, the striking flowers can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, influencing patterns in textiles, wallpaper, and other decorative elements in homes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rose of Sharon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rose of Sharon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Delicate Beauty: Hibiscus flowers are known for their delicate and striking appearance. The Ardens variety of Rose of Sharon especially, with its double lilac-pink flowers, embodies this attribute.
- Femininity: In various cultures, the hibiscus is often associated with femininity and the beauty of women.
- Fleeting Nature of Fame or Personal Glory: The bloom of the Rose of Sharon, though beautiful, is short-lived, which is often seen as a metaphor for the transient nature of fame or personal achievements.
- Invitation for Love: Giving someone a hibiscus is believed to be an invitation for love or a recognition of someone's beauty, making the hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens' a romantic plant.
- Perfect Bride: In South Korea, where Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower, it is often associated with the virtues of the perfect bride: modesty, chastity, and beauty.
WaterRose of Sharon requires consistent moisture, especially during hot summers, but must not sit in waterlogged soil. To maintain moisture, you should water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per session for an established plant. During extremely hot periods or drought, increase the frequency to twice a week. Young plants or newly planted Rose of Sharon bushes may need more frequent watering – every few days – until their root systems become established. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases and instead water at the base of the plant to reach the roots directly.
LightRose of Sharon thrives in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for optimal blooming. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced. The best spot for Rose of Sharon would be a location where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureRose of Sharon is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range. It performs best in an environment where temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F, but it can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F. The plant can withstand occasional heat waves above 90°F, especially when appropriately watered. Providing mulch can help to regulate soil temperature and moisture during extreme conditions.
PruningPruning Rose of Sharon is primarily done to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and improve blooming. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thin out old and dead wood and cut back last year's growth to promote larger blooms. It can be pruned severely since it blooms on new wood; however, this isn't necessary every year and can be done every few years as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRose of Sharon prefers well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. A good soil mix can be made with two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage. The optimal soil pH for Rose of Sharon is between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingRose of Sharon, being a fairly large shrub, is usually planted directly into the ground rather than kept in containers. Therefore, it does not require frequent repotting. However, if you must grow it in a container, repotting every 2-3 years can help refresh the soil and maintain its health.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate conditions. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when planted outdoors in its typical environment, making it quite adaptable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, moderate water, and periodic feeding.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Rose of Sharon 'Ardens' starts with seed germination, typically in spring when soil temperatures are warm enough to encourage growth. After germination, seedlings gradually develop into young plants, producing characteristic three-lobed leaves. As the season progresses, these young plants will mature and begin to form buds by mid to late summer, with the Rose of Sharon 'Ardens' blooming with double, purple-pink flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After the flowering period, the plant sets seeds in capsule-like fruits that can be dispersed by wind or animals in late fall, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the winter, the plant goes dormant, withstanding cold temperatures by shedding leaves and entering a state of reduced metabolic activity. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the cycle starts anew as the plant resumes growth, preparing for another season of flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens', commonly known as the Rose of Sharon, is often propagated by softwood cuttings in late spring to early summer. This method involves selecting a healthy, young branch that has just begun to harden but not yet turned woody. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters) with several leaves on the upper end. The lower leaves are removed, and the bottom end of the cutting is treated with a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a moist potting mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem) is below the surface. The container with the cutting is covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to retain humidity. Rooting typically takes place within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new plant can gradually acclimate to outside conditions before being transplanted to its final location.
