Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Lady Stanley' (d)
ABOUT
The Rose of Sharon 'Lady Stanley' is an ornamental shrub that is known for its striking flowers and lush foliage. The flowers of this variety are particularly showy, featuring a double bloom with layers of ruffled petals. These petals are usually a soft pink to lavender color, often with a deeper magenta or red blush at the base, giving the blooms a rich depth and allure. A distinguishing characteristic of the 'Lady Stanley' blooms is the presence of red or dark pink veins that radiate from the center, which is typically studded with a prominent, elongated staminal column. The leaves of the Rose of Sharon 'Lady Stanley' are broad, dark green, and have a somewhat glossy, leathery texture, which serves as an elegant backdrop to the profusion of blooms it produces. The overall shape of the plant is upright and vase-shaped, with branches that spread outwards giving it a full and rounded appearance. This cultivar is deciduous, meaning it sheds its leaves annually, but during the growing season, it provides a dense canopy of leaves and flowers. Each flower tends to open for only a couple of days but the plant continuously produces new flowers throughout the summer and into the fall, offering an extended display of its stunning blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae.
Synonyms
Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Rose Althea, Hardy Hibiscus, Korean Rose, Syrian Ketmia.
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Lady Stanley'
ToxicityTo humans
Rose of Sharon is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant is unlikely to cause severe symptoms or pose serious health risks. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities may vary, and it is possible for someone to have an allergic reaction or discomfort, especially after ingesting a large quantity or if there is pre-existing sensitivity.
To pets
Rose of Sharon is known to be toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. Consumption of the plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset, which might manifest as symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite. In more severe cases, it could potentially lead to more serious complications. It is advisable to prevent your pets from ingesting this plant to avoid any potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape beautification: Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, adds aesthetic value to landscapes with its showy, double blooms and attractive foliage.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of the Rose of Sharon attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in gardens.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Rose of Sharon is quite drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering than many other shrubs.
- Adaptability: This plant is adaptable to various soil types, though it thrives best in well-draining soil, allowing it to be planted in different garden conditions.
- Privacy screen: With its dense growth habit, Rose of Sharon can be used to create a natural privacy screen or living fence in the garden or along property lines.
- Low maintenance: Requiring minimal pruning and care once established, the Rose of Sharon is ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Long blooming season: The Rose of Sharon blooms from summer to fall, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Variety of colors: The 'Lady Stanley' cultivar offers a range of colors with its double flowers, giving gardeners the opportunity to match the plant with their landscape design.
- Wildlife habitat: By providing food for pollinators, the Rose of Sharon also serves as an important component in the local habitat for various wildlife species.
- Resilience to pests: Rose of Sharon has a natural resilience to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Haircare: The mucilaginous leaves of the Rose of Sharon can be used as a natural hair conditioner, providing moisture and shine.
- Fabric dye: Flowers from the Rose of Sharon can be used to create a natural dye, which imparts a delicate color to fabrics.
- Eco-friendly soap: The plant's extracts can be incorporated into soap recipes for their soothing properties and fragrance.
- Garden decoration: Dried blooms of Rose of Sharon can be used to create natural wreathes or other floral decorations.
- Food coloring: Petals of the Rose of Sharon can be used as a natural food coloring agent to enhance the appearance of various dishes.
- Edible leaves and flowers: While not commonly consumed, the leaves and flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads or desserts.
- Culinary syrup: The flowers can be steeped in hot water with sugar to create a flavorful syrup for use in beverages or as a topping.
- Natural ink: The deep color of the flowers can be utilized to make natural ink for art or calligraphy.
- Potpourri: The petals, once dried and combined with essential oils, can be used in making scented potpourri.
- Beverage flavoring: The blossoms can be infused in beverages like teas or cocktails to impart a subtle, floral flavor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRose of Sharon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRose of Sharon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The Hibiscus syriacus 'Lady Stanley', commonly referred to as the Rose of Sharon, is known for its beautiful, large, and showy flowers which represent delicate beauty in the language of plants.
- Enduring Love: This plant's ability to withstand harsh conditions and still produce lovely flowers symbolizes an enduring and resilient love.
- Femininity: Often associated with femininity due to its soft, delicate blooms, the Rose of Sharon has become a symbol of the ideal woman in past cultures.
- Intellect: With its eye-catching flowers, the plant is sometimes linked to the idea of intelligence and the ability to attract attention through mental acuity.
- Healing: In some traditions, the Rose of Sharon is thought to have medicinal properties, rendering it a symbol of healing and care.
WaterRose of Sharon should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per session. During hot, dry periods, frequency should increase to twice a week. It's important to avoid shallow watering, which does not reach the deeper roots and may encourage shallow root development. Consistency is key to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Always check the soil moisture before watering; if the top inch of soil is dry, it's time to water.
LightThe Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot would be one that is well-exposed to morning sunlight with some afternoon shade to protect it in hotter climates. Avoid heavy shade areas, as too little light can reduce blooming and weaken the plant.
TemperatureRose of Sharon is hardy in a range of temperatures, thriving in conditions between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but sustained cold can damage the plant. Ensuring the plant is located in an area where the typical range doesn't exceed or drop below these temperatures is ideal for its growth and blooming.
PruningPruning the Rose of Sharon is done to maintain its shape, promote more prolific blooming, and remove dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It's typically pruned annually but can be done less frequently if the plant maintains a good shape and size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRose of Sharon prefers well-draining soil with a high organic matter content. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.5.
RepottingRose of Sharon does not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years. Younger plants may benefit from annual repotting, while mature plants can be left longer if they are not root-bound.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon is relatively adaptable to humidity levels but thrives best in moderate to high humidity conditions. Consistently maintaining humidity above 50% is beneficial for optimal growth and bloom.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Rose of Sharon 'Lady Stanley' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, usually in early spring, after a period of cold stratification. The seedling develops into a young plant with characteristic foliage, growing slowly at first but gaining speed as it matures. As it enters its juvenile phase, it establishes a strong root system and woody stems that will support the growth of flowers. It reaches maturity in a few years, at which point it starts to produce the large, double-flowered, pink and white blossoms that bloom from summer to fall. This flowering stage recurs annually, with the plant entering a period of dormancy during the winter months as it conserves energy for the next season. The Rose of Sharon 'Lady Stanley' can live for many years, potentially decades, going through the cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy year after year.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
Hibiscus syriacus 'Lady Stanley', commonly referred to as Rose of Sharon, can be most popularly propagated through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and green. Cuttings about 5 to 6 inches (approximately 12.7 to 15.2 centimeters) long are snipped from healthy, disease-free branches. The lower leaves of the cuttings are then stripped off, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The treated cuttings are planted in a moist potting mix, and a plastic bag or a propagator is often used to maintain high humidity until roots have formed, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before eventually being planted out in the garden.
