Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Marina'
ABOUT
Hibiscus syriacus 'Marina', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is a deciduous shrub admired for its ornamental qualities. It boasts a lush foliage of medium green leaves that have a slightly toothed edge, creating a textured and full appearance. Its leaves can also take on a more oval to heart shape, giving it a distinct and appealing silhouette among garden vegetation. The most striking feature of the Rose of Sharon 'Marina' is its flowers. The plant produces large, trumpet-shaped blooms that are a captivating shade of blue. These blossoms have a prominent and showy stamen that contrasts with the soft blue petals, often attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers are typically single, meaning they have a single layer of petals, which adds to their delicate and elegant look. The 'Marina' variety begins flowering in mid-summer and continues to bloom through late summer, sometimes even into the fall, providing a prolonged period of visual interest. This extended blooming season makes it a favorite among gardeners looking to add long-lasting color to their landscapes. Its overall form is upright and vase-shaped, which allows it to blend gracefully into hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant. The branching habit is quite robust, with plenty of stems that lend to its full and bushy appearance. When not in bloom, the Rose of Sharon 'Marina' provides a pleasing background of green foliage that complements other plants in the garden. Overall, the Rose of Sharon 'Marina' is appreciated for its showy blooms and graceful form, making it a popular choice for both formal and informal garden designs. Its ability to provide lasting color and interest through the warmer months is particularly valued by those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae.
Synonyms
Rose Of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus, Syrian Ketmia.
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Marina'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Rose of Sharon is not considered highly toxic to humans. There is generally low concern for poisoning if parts of the plant are ingested in small quantities. However, consuming large amounts could potentially lead to an upset stomach, including symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Care should still be taken to prevent children from ingesting any part of the plant, as individual sensitivity can vary.
To pets
Rose of Sharon is known to have some toxicity to pets if ingested. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and general gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. It's important to keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from consuming the plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount, you should consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
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 Appeal: Adds visual interest with its showy, blue flowers and attractive foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's resilient to periods of low rainfall, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Ease of Care: Requires minimal maintenance, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides a long season of blooms, usually from mid-summer to fall, enhancing garden aesthetics over an extended period.
- Attracts Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used as a single specimen, in mass plantings, or as part of a mixed shrub border.
- Cold Hardy: Resistant to colder climates and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in groups, it can act as a living privacy screen or hedge.
- Wildlife Shelter: Provides shelter and nesting spots for local bird species.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some ornamentals, Hibiscus syriacus 'Marina' generally does not spread uncontrollably.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: Hibiscus syriacus 'Marina', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, may possess antioxidant properties due to the presence of phenolic compounds in its flowers.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies suggest the plant may have anti-inflammatory benefits which could be helpful in managing inflammation-related conditions.
- Antibacterial properties: Extracts from Rose of Sharon have shown potential antibacterial activity against certain strains of bacteria in scientific studies.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hibiscus syriacus 'Marina', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, can be used as a natural dye, with different parts of the plant producing various hues on fabric.
- In culinary arts, petals of Rose of Sharon can be used as an edible garnish, adding a pop of color to salads and desserts.
- The plant's wood is hardy and can be utilized in the creation of small woodworking projects such as inlays and intricate carvings.
- Rose of Sharon can be planted in outdoor pots to create mobile landscape elements that can be moved to suit design needs or to provide seasonal shading.
- The flowers can be used as a natural indicator of pH balance when used in science experiments for educational purposes.
- Rose of Sharon can serve as a natural barrier or hedge when planted in rows, providing privacy and reducing noise pollution.
- The blossoms are sometimes used in the craft of making homemade soaps, giving them a floral fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
- When dried, the flowers and leaves can contribute to potpourri mixes, enhancing the scent and adding a touch of color to rooms.
- The plant can be used as a living trellis for climbing vines, providing structural support as well as visual interest in garden designs.
- Its extensive root system can be effective in preventing soil erosion on slopes or areas with loose soil compositions.
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: Often associated with the striking blooms of the hibiscus, it symbolizes a delicate, captivating, and subtle beauty.
- Femininity: The Rose of Sharon, with its soft, gentle petals, is frequently seen as a representation of femininity and the grace that comes with it.
- Renewal: Because the Rose of Sharon blooms annually, it is emblematic of renewal and the cycle of life.
- New Beginnings: The plant often blooms late in the summer, symbolizing a fresh start or the beginning of an endeavor as other flowers are fading.
- Love: With its lush and vivid flowers, the Rose of Sharon is sometimes used to signify romantic love or the presence of passion in one's life.
- Overcoming Challenges: This plant is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand harsh conditions, representing the overcoming of obstacles or enduring in the face of adversity.
WaterFor the Rose of Sharon, it is best to water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate the soil down to the root zone. During the growing season, water the plant about once a week, providing approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. In the absence of rain, you may need to water twice a week, especially in hotter temperatures. During the winter or in cooler temperatures, reduce the watering frequency to match the plant's decreased need. Consistent watering is key to prevent stress, but always ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.
LightThe Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best situated in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade. The ideal spot for this plant is where it is backed by a Southern or Western exposure, ensuring ample light for robust growth and flowering.
TemperatureThe Rose of Sharon is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. Ideally, it prefers to grow in conditions where temperatures range between 60°F and 85°F. The plant can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F, and in summer, it can tolerate highs up to around 100°F. Providing good air circulation can help it handle the warmer extremes.
PruningPrune the Rose of Sharon to maintain its shape and encourage more prolific blooming. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote good air circulation and light penetration. Pruning can also include cutting back last year’s growth to encourage larger blooms. The plant can be pruned annually, but it is also tolerant of less frequent trimming if a more natural shape is preferred.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRose of Sharon prefers well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal pH for the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand can provide the desired structure and fertility.
RepottingRose of Sharon is not commonly grown as a potted plant and typically does not require repotting. It is a shrub best suited for growth directly in the ground outdoors.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. While it is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions, maintaining moderate ambient humidity will support its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, moderate water, and weekly feeding.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleHibiscus syriacus 'Marina', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, begins its life as a seed, which after being planted in well-drained soil and in a sunny location, will germinate when temperatures are warm enough, typically in early spring. The seedling stage follows where the plant develops its first leaves and a basic root system, marking the establishment of the plant. As it enters the vegetative stage, Rose of Sharon experiences rapid growth of foliage and branches, preparing it for the next stage. Upon reaching maturity, usually in a few years, it enters the flowering stage, producing large, showy blossoms that vary from blue to violet, typically during the summer months. After pollination by insects, fruit in the form of a dry, dehiscent capsule containing multiple seeds forms, which will disperse when mature, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, which can span multiple decades, the plant undergoes cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy, generally maintaining dormancy in the winter months before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
Hibiscus syriacus 'Marina', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is typically propagated during late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is through softwood cuttings. This involves taking a young, healthy stem from the plant that is about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm) with several leaves attached. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist and warm, usually under a plastic cover to maintain high humidity. In a few weeks, the cuttings should root and can eventually be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
