Rose of Sharon 'Bredon Springs' Hibiscus syriacus 'Bredon Springs'
ABOUT
'Bredon Springs' is a deciduous shrub to 2.5m, with simple or lobed, dark green leaves and single deep rose flowers 10-12cm across, each petal with a small deep red blotch at the base
About this plant
- Names
Family
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Rose Of Sharon, Syrian Ketmia, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Bredon Springs'.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Hibiscus syriacus 'Bredon Springs', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, adds visual interest to gardens with its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer when many other shrubs have finished flowering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The brightly colored flowers provide nectar and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this Rose of Sharon variety is tolerant to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Easy Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
- Hardiness: The shrub is adaptable to a wide range of soils, is cold hardy, and can tolerate urban pollution, making it a sturdy choice for different landscapes.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as a hedge or privacy screen.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long blooming season from mid-summer to fall, ensuring a colorful display for an extended period.
- Compact Growth: Hibiscus syriacus 'Bredon Springs' has a compact growth habit, making it ideal for smaller gardens or spaces where a full-sized Rose of Sharon would be too large.
- Medical Properties
- Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest that extracts from Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, may possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antipyretic: It has been traditionally used to reduce fever, although clinical data is lacking.
- Antibacterial: There are indications that Hibiscus syriacus might exhibit antibacterial activity against certain strains of bacteria.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain antioxidant compounds, which help in preventing oxidative stress-related damage in the body.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Hibiscus syriacus 'Bredon Springs', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of colors from light pink to purple depending on the mordant used.
- The petals can be used to create botanical prints on paper, where they are pressed onto watercolor paper to leave a color imprint, which is a form of art.
- Leaves and blooms might serve as inspiration for design patterns in textiles and wallpaper, lending a floral motif to fabrics and home decor.
- The wood is quite hardy and can be used in the making of small crafts and tools, showcasing fine woodwork skills.
- During certain festivals in East Asia, the flowers may be utilized to adorn floats or traditional costumes, adding a flourish of natural beauty.
- In landscaping, the dense growth pattern of Rose of Sharon can be fashioned into living privacy screens or hedges.
- The nectar-rich flowers are excellent for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- It can be trained to grow as a small tree or a topiary, making it a versatile feature in formal gardens.
- The Rose of Sharon's varied and vibrant blossoms can be used in culinary presentations as an edible decoration to add color and a light floral essence to salads and desserts.
- Its blooming period coincides with the Lunar New Year in many Asian cultures, sometimes making it a symbol of renewal and used in festive decor.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Rose of Sharon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Rose of Sharon is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Delicate Beauty: The Hibiscus syriacus 'Bredon Springs', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, has large, showy flowers that are often associated with beauty and femininity.
- Ephemeral Life: Each flower of the Rose of Sharon typically lasts for only a short time, often one day, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the present.
- Renewal: As a plant that flowers annually, the Rose of Sharon represents rejuvenation and the idea that new beginnings are always possible.
- Healing: In some cultures, the Rose of Sharon is used for medicinal purposes, and thus it can symbolize healing and the nurturing of health.
- Love: Various species of hibiscus, including the Rose of Sharon, are often symbols of love or passion in many cultures, due to their bold, colorful blossoms.
- Overcoming Challenges: The Rose of Sharon is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in adverse conditions, making it a symbol of persistence and resilience in the face of difficulties.
- Water
The Rose of Sharon should be watered deeply, ensuring moisture reaches the roots, once a week during dry periods without rainfall. During the growing season, it might require watering twice a week if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Young plants need consistent moisture to establish, but once mature, Rose of Sharon is relatively drought-tolerant. Generally, aim for about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature conditions.
- Light
Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun to light shade. The ideal spot is in an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, as this encourages the best flowering. Avoid deeply shaded areas which can hamper bloom production and lead to a leggier plant.
- Temperature
Rose of Sharon is hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 100°F. However, the ideal temperature range for promoting healthy growth and abundant flowering is between 60°F and 85°F. It is tolerant of high summer temperatures and can withstand the occasional cold snap in winter.
- Pruning
Pruning Rose of Sharon is important to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and facilitate more abundant blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged wood and thin out crowded branches. Shape as desired, but avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce the number of flowers.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Rose of Sharon prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, having a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 7.5. The best soil mix can be created using two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand for drainage.
- Repotting
The Rose of Sharon does not need to be repotted frequently as it is usually grown as an outdoor shrub; however, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound is appropriate.
- Humidity & Misting
Rose of Sharon thrives in average outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments when planted in its natural outdoor environment.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, and prune to manage size.
Outdoor
Full sun, sheltered spot, well-draining fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
Rose of Sharon is suitable for USDA zones 5-9.
- Life cycle
The life cycle of Hibiscus syriacus 'Bredon Springs', commonly known as Rose of Sharon 'Bredon Springs', begins with seed germination, typically in late spring when soil temperatures warm up. The seedlings emerge and establish a robust root system. As it enters the vegetative growth stage, the plant develops woody stems and broad leaves. In early to mid-summer, the Rose of Sharon 'Bredon Springs' transitions to the flowering stage, producing large, showy blossoms that attract pollinators and may continue blooming into fall. Following pollination, the flowers give way to seed pods that ripen and release seeds in late fall or early winter, propagating the next generation. During winter, the plant goes through a period of dormancy, shedding leaves and slowing growth until conditions become favorable again in spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Hibiscus syriacus 'Bredon Springs', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is usually done in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and green. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is taken, making sure to include at least two sets of leaves. The lower set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, the cutting is planted in a well-draining potting mix, covered with a plastic bag or placed in a humidity dome to retain moisture and warmth, and kept out of direct sunlight until roots have formed, which generally takes a few weeks to a month. Regular monitoring for moisture is essential, making sure the growing medium is consistently moist but not waterlogged.