Rose of Sharon [Lavender Chiffon] Hibiscus syriacus Lavender Chiffon = 'Notwoodone' (PBR) (Chiffon Series) (d)

Water

Rose of Sharon should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage root development. During the first growing season, ensure consistent watering, generally about once a week, provided there is no heavy rainfall. Mature shrubs require less frequent watering but might need more during prolonged dry spells. Aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each week, adjusting for rainfall, heat, and soil conditions. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases, instead focusing on the base of the plant.

Light

Rose of Sharon thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is one where the plant can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light can lead to fewer blooms. Ensure to position the Rose of Sharon where it is not overshadowed by taller plants or structures.

Temperature

Rose of Sharon is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, enduring winter cold down to about -20°F and summer heat well into the 100°F range. Ideally, it grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Sudden temperature drops below the freezing point in late spring might damage new growth, so provide protection if unseasonably cold weather is forecasted.

Pruning

Prune Rose of Sharon to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; pruning can also help to produce larger flowers. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Generally, it's recommended to prune annually, but it can also be done biennially. Pruning methods can include thinning out crowded branches and cutting back to the last two to five bud nodes to promote new growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rose of Sharon prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5-7.5. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage.

Repotting

Rose of Sharon, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the pot, usually in early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Rose of Sharon thrives best in average outdoor humidity conditions. It does not require high humidity and can tolerate the humidity levels normally found in most garden environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, enrich soil with compost.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, begins its life cycle with seed germination, usually in late spring or early summer, once soil temperatures reach a conducive level for growth. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the establishment of roots and the growth of the first leaves, with the plant progressively increasing in size and developing a stronger stem structure. As the plant matures into the vegetative stage, it produces more leaves and branches, forming a bushy shrub. The Rose of Sharon reaches the flowering stage in mid-to-late summer, displaying large, showy lavender blooms that attract pollinators, which are essential for the reproductive stage. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods that eventually dry and release seeds in late autumn, completing the cycle. Throughout its life, the Rose of Sharon can experience multiple cycles of blooming and seed-setting in the appropriate climate conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Rose of Sharon 'Lavender Chiffon' is softwood cuttings. This technique is typically performed in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still tender but has begun to mature. A 4 to 6 inch cutting should be taken from a healthy branch, and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end can then be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth before placing the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil. Maintaining consistent moisture and using a plastic cover to create a greenhouse effect can help the cutting establish roots. After a few weeks, when the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted outdoors.