Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Lenny'
ABOUT
Hibiscus syriacus 'Lenny' is commonly known as Rose of Sharon. It is a decorative flowering shrub known for its showy blooms. The flowers are the most striking feature, presenting a lush shade of pink with a deep red center that creates an eye-catching contrast. Each bloom exhibits a classic hibiscus shape, with five broad petals that are slightly ruffled at the edges, giving them a slightly textured appearance. The plant's leaves are bright green, lending a lush backdrop to the flowers. These leaves are shaped somewhat like a diamond with a slight point at the tip, and they have a smooth, slightly glossy surface, and serrated edges that provide a finely toothed margin. The foliage forms a dense canopy, creating an excellent visual screen when the plant is in full leaf. Rose of Sharon blooms in the late summer, producing flowers that last until the early autumn, which makes it a valuable source of late-season color in a landscape. Its blooming habit is prolific and can cover the shrub extensively, giving it a robust and colorful display. The shrub also bears fruit in the form of dry, capsule-like structures that follow the flowering period. Without discussing size, 'Lenny' is an upright shrub, typically presenting a well-branched form that creates a rounded silhouette. The branches emerge from the base and spread outward as they ascend, which contributes to the overall shape and structural presentation of the plant. Overall, Hibiscus syriacus 'Lenny' is a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers looking to add a splash of late-season color with its ornate flowers and charming foliage. Its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions also makes it a flexible option for planting in different garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Rose of Sharon, Althea, Syrian Ketmia
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Lenny'.
ToxicityTo humans
Rose of Sharon is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is not likely to cause poisoning or serious illness. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities can exist, so it's always prudent to avoid eating plant material that is not commonly recognized as food.
To pets
Rose of Sharon is also typically non-toxic to pets. It should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning if ingested by animals such as cats and dogs. Nonetheless, pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of the plant due to the unusual matter in their diet. It is always best to prevent pets from chewing on ornamental plants as a general safety precaution.
CharacteristicsLife 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 (1.8-3.0 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Hibiscus syriacus 'Lenny' is appreciated for its large, showy flowers that come in a range of colors, adding aesthetic value to landscapes and gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: It serves as a food source for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care beyond the occasional pruning to maintain shape and promote flowering.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in the late summer at a time when many other flowering plants may be past peak blooming, extending the garden's interest into the fall.
- Tolerance to Various Conditions: This plant can thrive in a range of soil types and weather conditions, making it adaptable to many garden settings.
- Serves as a Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, it can be used as a living privacy screen or hedge.
- Resilience to Pests: It shows a resistance to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Urban Tolerant: The plant is able to withstand urban pollution, making it suitable for city landscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Delights: The flowers of the rose of Sharon can be used in salads or as a garnish, adding a touch of color and a mild flavor.
- Livestock Fodder: In some countries, the leaves of the rose of Sharon are used as fodder for livestock, particularly goats.
- Natural Dye: The blooms can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a soft color.
- Traditional Crafts: The flowers and leaves can be incorporated into traditional paper-making processes for decorative purposes.
- Symbolic Planting: The rose of Sharon is often planted in gardens as a symbol of perseverance and renewal in various cultures.
- Companion Planting: It can be used as part of a companion planting strategy in gardens to attract pollinators for vegetable crops.
- Garden Design: With its range of colors, it is popular in ornamental hedges and borders for landscaping effects.
- Root System Benefits: Its root system can help prevent soil erosion in certain climates, making it a practical choice for slopes and banks.
- Mulching Material: Dried leaves can be used as a mulch in gardens, providing nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
- Handicraft Material: Stems and branches can be fashioned into wreaths or used in basketry.
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- Beauty: The Hibiscus syriacus 'Lenny', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, has large, showy flowers that symbolize beauty and attractiveness in many cultures.
- Love: Its captivating blooms are often associated with love and romance, representing deep affection and desire.
- Femininity: The rose-like aspects of its flowers have made it a symbol of femininity and the softness often culturally attributed to female energy.
- Rebirth: Blooming in the late summer, Rose of Sharon is symbolic of renewal and the cycle of life, hinting at the regenerative aspects of nature.
- Ephemeral Life: Due to the relatively short lifespan of its blossoms, the plant is sometimes linked with the fleeting nature of existence, reminding beholders to live in the moment.
WaterRose of Sharon, commonly known as 'Lenny', should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring its root zone gets saturated. In the growing season, water the plant once a week, providing about 1 gallon per watering for small plants and up to 2-3 gallons for larger, established shrubs. During hot, dry periods, water twice a week. Reduce watering in the fall and water sparingly in winter, just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
LightRose of Sharon thrives in full sun conditions, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting 'Lenny' in a location with southern or western exposure is ideal to ensure it receives ample light. However, in areas with extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat.
TemperatureRose of Sharon 'Lenny' performs well in a wide range of temperatures, but prefers an ideal range between 60°F and 85°F. It can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to 20°F. To ensure the plant’s health, try to protect it from extreme cold snaps which can damage the plant if temperatures fall below the minimum range.
PruningPrune Rose of Sharon in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and promote vigorous growth and flowering. Light annual pruning to remove dead wood and shape the plant is recommended, while heavier pruning should be done selectively every few years. The best time for major pruning is when the plant is dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Rose of Sharon (common name for Hibiscus syriacus 'Lenny') is a well-draining, fertile loam with organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend heavy soils with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingRose of Sharon typically does not require frequent repotting as it is a shrub best grown outdoors. Repot young plants every 2-3 years to encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon thrives in average outdoor humidity levels; it does not require any specific humidity levels as it is quite adaptable to various conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and space, and prune regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, mulch, water deeply, and prune yearly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleHibiscus syriacus 'Lenny', commonly known as Rose of Sharon 'Lenny', begins its life cycle as a dormant seed which requires stratification – a period of cold temperatures – to germinate. After stratification, the seed sprouts in spring, developing a root system and foliage as a young seedling. As the plant matures during the growing season, it develops into a multi-stemmed, woody shrub with broad leaves. Flowering generally occurs in mid to late summer, showcasing large, showy blooms that can be pink, purple, or white with a contrasting center; these flowers attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the Rose of Sharon produces dry, dehiscent fruit capsules containing multiple seeds, which are dispersed by wind or animals, completing the reproductive phase. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, dropping its leaves and conserving energy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Rose of Sharon 'Lenny' is typically propagated during the late winter to early spring before new growth begins. The most popular method for propagating this variety is through softwood cuttings. To do this, cut a 4 to 6-inch length (10 to 15 cm) from a healthy, new growth of the plant, making sure to include several sets of leaves. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, water it gently, and cover with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright space without direct sunlight until it develops roots, which typically takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new sapling can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
