Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo'
ABOUT
Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is a visually striking deciduous shrub that is known for its captivating floral display and attractive foliage. This variety distinguishes itself with large, showy blossoms that exhibit a delightful blend of soft pink petals, which gracefully unfurl to reveal a deeper pink or red eye at the center. The contrast against its dark green leaves, which are diamond-shaped with a slightly toothed margin, makes the flowers stand out even more vividly. Rose of Sharon 'Hamabo' typically flowers in the warmer months, producing an abundance of blooms that attract both butterflies and bees. Each flower has a prominent, protruding stamen, which adds to the ornamental value and provides an enticing feature for pollinators. The petals of the 'Hamabo' can take on a ruffled look, giving the blooms a distinctly soft and lush texture. While the Rose of Sharon is adaptable to different soil types, it prefers a well-draining growing medium and a position where it can receive full sun to partial shade. This allows the plant to produce the most abundant and vibrant flowers. When it is not in bloom, the Rose of Sharon 'Hamabo' is still aesthetically pleasing, with a bushy habit and sturdy branches that provide a solid structure within the landscape. Overall, Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo' is a charming and resilient addition to any garden, admired for its summer-long floral display and lush, green foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Rose Of Sharon, Syrian Ketmia, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo'
ToxicityTo humans
The Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is not considered to be poisonous to humans. Most parts of the plant are relatively safe if incidentally ingested in small amounts. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities may vary, and consuming larger quantities could potentially cause stomach upset or discomfort due to the plant's natural characteristics. If significant ingesting occurs or if symptoms develop, it is wise to consult a medical professional.
To pets
The Rose of Sharon is generally considered to have low toxicity to pets, but it can still cause some undesirable effects if ingested. Symptoms that may occur if a pet consumes parts of this plant include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or a loss of appetite. As pets can have varying reactions to plant materials, if you suspect your pet consumed Rose of Sharon and is showing signs of illness, consult your veterinarian for advice and possible treatment.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Ornamental Value: Adds visual interest to gardens with its large, showy flowers and attractive foliage.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for various landscape designs, including hedges, foundation plantings, and as specimen plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is fairly drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cooler temperatures, making it suitable for temperate climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep once established, apart from occasional pruning and fertilizing.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers prolonged periods of flowering, typically from mid-summer to early autumn.
- Tolerant to Various Soil Types: Adapts to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used to create privacy screens or windbreaks in the landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Paper Making: The fibrous nature of the Rose of Sharon's bark can be used in the paper-making process to produce handmade papers with a unique texture.
- Edible Blossoms: The flowers of the Rose of Sharon are edible and can be used to garnish salads, desserts or to make a fragrant and visually appealing herbal tea.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The blooms can be used to create a natural dye for textiles, imparting a delicate color to fabric.
- Leather Conditioning: The mucilaginous properties of Rose of Sharon leaves can be used in homemade leather conditioners to help soften and preserve leather goods.
- Insecticidal Properties: Some components of the Rose of Sharon have been shown to repel certain insects, which could be used to protect other plants or as a natural insect repellent for humans.
- Imparting Fragrance: The petals can be infused in oils or added to potpourris to impart a gentle scent to a room or personal care products.
- Companion Planting: When used in a garden, Rose of Sharon can serve as a companion plant by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, benefiting the surrounding plants.
- Tattoo Pigment: Historically, the petals of the Rose of Sharon have been used to make natural pigments for tattoos.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Frozen into ice cubes, the petals of Rose of Sharon can add an elegant touch to summer drinks and cocktails.
- Ink Making: The deep pigments in the flowers can be used to create natural inks for writing, drawing, or calligraphy.
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: The Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, often represents delicate beauty due to its large, showy blossoms that can come in a variety of pastel colors.
- Lasting Love: In the language of flowers, the Rose of Sharon signifies enduring love, suggesting a commitment that withstands the test of time.
- Acceptance: The plant's ability to adapt to a range of soil types and conditions has made it a symbol of acceptance and flexibility in different environments and circumstances.
- New Beginnings: As the Rose of Sharon blooms late in the summer, it is associated with the idea of new beginnings or a fresh start, often reflecting rebirth or renewal.
- Femininity: With its soft petals and attractive hues, the Rose of Sharon is also connected to the concept of femininity, encompassing characteristics traditionally attributed to women such as elegance and grace.
WaterRose of Sharon prefers consistent hydration, especially during the first few growing seasons to establish a robust root system. Water deeply at least once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time, which equates to approximately 0.62 to 0.93 gallons for a small to medium-sized plant. During prolonged dry spells or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy.
LightRose of Sharon thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that offers morning sun with some afternoon shade can be beneficial, especially in hotter climates. Ensure the plant has enough light to promote robust growth and abundant blooming without the risk of sun-scald.
TemperatureRose of Sharon is hardy in a range between 20 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit but grows best when temperatures consistently hover between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand brief temperature dips below freezing but prolonged exposure can damage the plant. The plant is cold hardy down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand the heat up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, though excessive heat may lead to stress if not properly watered.
PruningPrune Rose of Sharon in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and promote vigorous flowering. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain good air circulation. Annual pruning also encourages more flowering shoots to develop, as blooms appear on new wood. Prune every year to keep the plant at a manageable size and to rejuvenate older plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRose of Sharon thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A blend of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand can provide the right balance of nutrients, aeration, and moisture retention.
RepottingRose of Sharon is usually planted in-ground and doesn't require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, young plants may need repotting every 2-3 years to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable to various conditions and can tolerate the natural humidity levels of most temperate climates without special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid draughts, regulate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, shelter from strong winds, space well.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleHibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo', commonly known as the Rose of Sharon, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in warm, well-drained soil in late spring after the last frost. The seedling emerges, developing into a young plant with characteristic three-lobed leaves, which undergoes a juvenile phase for several years before reaching maturity. During its growth, the plant experiences a vegetative stage where it focuses on producing a woody stem and branching out. Once mature, typically by the third year, it enters the flowering stage in mid to late summer, producing large, showy flowers that are pink with a red center. These blooms are pollinated by insects, leading to the production of seeds that are housed within dry fruits that split open when mature. The Rose of Sharon is a perennial, entering a period of dormancy during the winter months before resuming growth in the spring, continuing this cycle for many years, sometimes decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is often propagated in late spring to early summer, taking advantage of the active growth period for the establishment of cuttings. Softwood cuttings are the most popular method of propagation for this plant. To propagate the Rose of Sharon through cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) section just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, and insert it into a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss. The cutting should then be placed in indirect light and kept consistently moist until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted into the garden or larger pots to continue growing.
