Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde'
ABOUT
The 'Mathilde' is a variety of Rose of Sharon distinguished by its showy flowers and attractive foliage. This plant proudly displays large, ruffled blooms colored in a pale shade of lavender or sometimes bluish mauve, each petal often bearing a deeper reddish-purple center, known as the throat, that adds a dramatic contrast to the flower. The blooms often feature a more pronounced, darker reddish-purple streak running along the length of each petal, highlighting the ruffled edges. These flowers are known not only for their beauty but also for their ability to attract butterflies and bees to the garden. The foliage of the 'Mathilde' consists of medium green leaves that are somewhat heart-shaped with a toothed margin, offering a lush backdrop for the summer-blooming flowers. This ornamental appeal is retained throughout the growing season until the leaves drop in the fall. The plant tends to form a bushy, upright shape, creating a pleasing structure even when not in bloom. It's important to note when planting that the 'Mathilde' can be quite adaptable and can become a prominent part of a garden or landscape with adequate care revolving around sun exposure and soil conditions. Its flowers are often used for decorative purposes both in the garden or as cut flowers in a bouquet, where their robust size and attractive hues can stand out.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae.
Synonyms
Rose Of Sharon, Syrian Ketmia, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus.
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Hibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde' is Rose of Sharon. Rose of Sharon is not known to be toxic to humans. If ingested, it is unlikely to cause poisoning or serious symptoms. However, like any plant not typically used for human consumption, individual cases of sensitivity or allergic reaction could occur, potentially resulting in mild gastrointestinal discomfort or other allergic symptoms.
To pets
The common name of Hibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde' is Rose of Sharon. This plant is considered to have a low level of toxicity to pets. If a pet ingests parts of the Rose of Sharon, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which could include symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Generally, these symptoms should be self-limiting, but it is always wise to monitor your pet and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns or if symptoms persist.
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
5-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: The plant produces large, showy blooms that are visually appealing and can enhance garden aesthetics.
- Drought Tolerance: Hibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde' is relatively drought-tolerant once established, requiring less frequent watering.
- Maintenance: It is a low maintenance plant, not requiring extensive care or specialized growing conditions.
- Cold Hardy: The plant has a good tolerance to cold temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It can attract bees, butterflies, and birds, providing a habitat and food source for local wildlife.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its dense growth, it can be used as a privacy screen or as part of a hedge to delineate garden spaces.
- Variety of Uses: It can be used in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or in containers for patio and deck areas.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, can be used in paper making due to its fibrous bark, which provides material for crafting specialty handmade papers.
- In some cultures, the flowers of the Rose of Sharon are used as natural dyes for fabrics, giving them a delicate pink hue.
- The wood of the Rose of Sharon is sometimes used in small woodworking projects such as inlays and intricate carvings, as it is quite firm and fine-grained.
- The plant can also serve as a natural fencing or privacy screen in gardens due to its dense growth habit when planted in rows.
- The Rose of Sharon is often planted as part of a bee-friendly garden as it provides an excellent source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
- A floral syrup can be made from the flowers of the Rose of Sharon, providing a unique flavoring for cocktails or desserts.
- The blooms are sometimes used in the craft of flower pressing due to their large size and impressive structure, making them ideal for decorative artwork.
- The flowers, once fallen, can be collected and used as a natural mulch, providing nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
- In some regions, Rose of Sharon is planted to combat soil erosion because its root system helps to stabilize the ground.
- The plant can also be included in sensory gardens for its textured leaves and visually striking flowers, which provide a tactile and visual experience.
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 elegant blooms of the Rose of Sharon, which is the common name for Hibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde', represent a refined and delicate form of beauty.
- New Beginnings - The plant's propensity to produce new flowers daily symbolizes starting afresh or embarking on new ventures.
- Femininity - The soft, often pink, petals of the Rose of Sharon are commonly associated with feminine qualities and can symbolize womanhood.
- Love and Affection - In some cultures, giving someone a Hibiscus flower is a way to acknowledge the receiver's attractive qualities and can signify love or affection.
- Immortality - In South Korea, where the Rose of Sharon is the national flower, it carries symbolism of immortality and enduring life, as the plant is able to survive harsh conditions and still bloom beautifully.
WaterRose of Sharon, commonly known as Hibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde', should be watered deeply, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It is ideal to water the Rose of Sharon once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water during the growing season, especially in the absence of sufficient rainfall. The frequency should be increased to twice a week during extremely hot or dry periods. During the winter, reduce watering to compensate for slower growth and cooler temperatures. It's crucial not to let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions.
LightThe Rose of Sharon requires full sun to part shade to thrive, with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily being optimal. An ideal spot would be where the plant receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hot climates, to prevent stress from excessive heat. Yet, it's versatile enough to also tolerate and bloom in partial shade locations.
TemperatureThe Rose of Sharon can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from a minimum winter temperature of around 0°F to a maximum summer temperature of 120°F. However, it grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F. This plant is hardy and can survive occasional temperature fluctuations outside this range.
PruningPrune the Rose of Sharon to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth as well as to remove dead or damaged wood, which can improve air circulation and overall plant health. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant blooms on new wood, so annual pruning can also help produce more flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Rose of Sharon requires well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand. This combination ensures adequate drainage and fertility for healthy growth.
RepottingRose of Sharon, being a larger shrub, does not typically require frequent repotting. It is generally planted outdoors where repotting is not applicable. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon prefers moderate to high humidity but is tolerant of average outdoor conditions. Aim to maintain a humidity level around 40-60%, which usually occurs naturally in outdoor environments where the plant thrives best.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in sunny spot, ensure pot has drainage holes.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleHibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, begins its life as a seed, which after being sown in fertile, well-draining soil, germinates in response to warm temperatures and moisture. The seedling emerges, developing into a young plant with characteristic lobed leaves, and over time it matures into a woody shrub. Throughout the spring and summer, it enters a vigorous growth phase, producing lush green foliage. By mid-to late summer, the plant exhibits its reproductive stage, producing large, showy flowers that can be white, pink, purple, or blue, depending on the cultivar, and these flowers are followed by seed pods that disperse for the next generation. During autumn, the Rose of Sharon prepares for dormancy by ceasing growth and shedding leaves in response to shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures. Finally, in winter, the plant rests in a dormant state until favorable conditions return in spring, thus completing the life cycle and starting a new growth season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring - summer
The most popular method for propagating Hibiscus syriacus 'Mathilde', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when new growth is still tender. Gardeners should select healthy stems that have not yet flowered and cut a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in well-draining soil, kept moist and provided with ample indirect sunlight. A plastic bag or a covering can create a greenhouse effect to maintain humidity. Roots often establish in a few weeks, after which the new plants can eventually be moved to a permanent location.
