Rose of Sharon [French Point] Hibiscus syriacus French Point = 'Minfren' (PBR)

Water

Rose of Sharon requires consistent moisture, so you should water the plant deeply to ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened. Aim to water the Rose of Sharon once a week, but adjust the frequency to account for rainfall and temperature changes. During the growing season, approximately one to two gallons per week should suffice, ensuring an even moisture level without waterlogging the soil. In hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to maintain even soil moisture. Reduce the amount of water during the dormant season, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.

Light

The Rose of Sharon thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place the plant in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Too little light can result in fewer flowers, so if you can't provide full sun, ensure it gets ample indirect light for the rest of the day.

Temperature

The Rose of Sharon is tolerant of a range of temperatures but grows best in conditions between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to prolonged periods below freezing. The ideal growing temperature range promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Pruning

Prune the Rose of Sharon in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and encourage denser growth. Regular pruning helps to remove any dead or damaged branches, improves the plant's overall health, and enhances flowering. The best time for pruning is after the last hard frost but before the first growth of the season starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rose of Sharon thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and peat with added perlite is ideal.

Repotting

Rose of Sharon trees planted in the ground do not require repotting. Potted plants should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Rose of Sharon is tolerant of a range of humidity conditions, but it prefers average to high humidity levels for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and water when top soil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun or partial shade; water deeply and mulch the base.

• Hardiness zone

  Rose of Sharon is suitable for USDA zones 5-9.

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Hibiscus syriacus 'French Point', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, begins with seed germination, where warmth and moisture trigger the sprouting of planted seeds. Following germination, the seedling stage sees the development of the root system and first true leaves, establishing the plant's ability to photosynthesize and grow. As it enters the vegetative stage, the Rose of Sharon develops a more robust root system and numerous stems and leaves, preparing for future flowering. Approaching maturity, the plant reaches the flowering stage, where it produces large, showy flowers that can attract pollinators and may last from late summer to fall. After pollination, the plant produces dry fruits containing seeds, which, when dispersed, can lead to the growth of new plants. The Rose of Sharon is a perennial shrub, allowing it to go through multiple flowering cycles through its lifespan, typically involving a period of dormancy during the winter before resuming growth in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Rose of Sharon, specifically the Hibiscus syriacus French Point = 'Minfren' (PBR), is through softwood cuttings. This is usually done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and flexible. Cuttings, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, are snipped just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end of the cutting is then dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and planted in a mixture of potting soil and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. The cuttings need to be kept in a humid environment, with occasional misting, and in indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes several weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.