Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen'
ABOUT
The Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen', commonly known as the Rose of Sharon, presents a striking appearance with its lush foliage and eye-catching blooms. The plant is adorned with large, showy flowers that have a distinctive mauve color. The blossoms display a rich depth of purple-pink hues, sometimes tending towards a light lavender shade, depending on the light. Each flower is comprised of multiple layers of petals that unfurl to reveal a dark red or deep magenta center, which often attracts pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds to the garden. The leaves of the Rose of Sharon are notably bright green, with a glossy texture and a smooth, ovate shape. Arranged alternately on the branches, the leaves often have slightly serrated edges and taper to a fine point. The foliage provides a lush backdrop to the flowers and persists throughout the growing season, only shedding when the cooler temperatures of autumn arrive. Overall, the appearance of the Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen' is one of vibrant color and lush greenery, with the magnificent mauve blossoms serving as the true showstoppers in any garden setting. Its elegant flowers bring a touch of exotic beauty, reminiscent of tropical climates, to temperate gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Rose Of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Korean Rose, Rose Mallow, Syrian Ketmia
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen'.
ToxicityTo humans
Rose of Sharon, the common name for Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that ingestion of any part of this plant would lead to poisoning or any severe adverse health effects in humans. However, as with any plant material, individuals may have allergies or sensitivities that could result in mild stomach upset if ingested.
To pets
Rose of Sharon is also generally considered to have a low level of toxicity for pets. However, some sources suggest that if a pet, such as a cat or dog, were to ingest a large quantity of the plant, particularly the flowers or leaves, it might experience some gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's generally a good idea to prevent pets from ingesting this plant to avoid any potential discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mauve
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
East Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Flowers: Produces large, attractive, mauve-colored blooms adding aesthetic value to gardens.
- Late Blooming: Flowers in late summer to early fall, providing color when most other plants have ceased blooming.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used as a hedge or privacy screen due to its dense foliage and upright growth habit.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in mixed borders, as stand-alone specimens, or in container gardens.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen', like other Hibiscus species, may possess properties that help reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant: This plant could potentially have antioxidant components which help in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Diuretic: There have been suggestions that Hibiscus species have diuretic effects, aiding in the elimination of excess fluid in the body.
- Antipyretic: There might be fever-reducing properties associated with the Hibiscus genus which could apply to Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen'.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hibiscus tea made from Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen' can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a delicate mauve hue.
- The blooms can be candied and used as edible decorations for desserts, adding a floral touch and color to cakes and pastries.
- Flower petals of 'Mauve Queen' can be used in the crafting of eco-friendly confetti for weddings or celebratory events.
- Petals can be steeped in water to make a lightly scented floral rinse for hair, providing a mild fragrance and potential shine-boosting benefits.
- The fibrous parts of the Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen' can be used for paper making, creating a unique texture and color to the paper.
- Dried 'Mauve Queen' petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a natural and visually appealing air freshener.
- When used in landscaping, the dense growth of Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen' can serve as a natural privacy screen in gardens and balconies.
- The plant's sturdy stems can be used as natural supports for climbing plants or as part of homemade trellises in the garden.
- The vibrant blossoms of 'Mauve Queen' make them suitable for use in float bowls as a centerpiece for tables at events or in homes.
- Petals and buds can be used to infuse oils or vinegars, adding a floral essence and a hint of color for gourmet cooking and salad dressings.
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 Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is often associated with delicate beauty due to its large, showy blossoms that exhibit a soft and gentle appearance.
- Femininity: The plant's soft mauve petals are reminiscent of traditional feminine qualities and hence, it symbolizes femininity and motherhood.
- Ephemeral Nature of Fame or Personal Glory: As each flower typically blooms for only a short period before wilting, the Rose of Sharon can also symbolize the fleeting nature of fame or personal glory.
- Love and Affection: In many cultures, the hibiscus flower is given as a gift to convey love, affection, or acknowledgment of deep romantic feelings.
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Rose of Sharon has the ability to endure harsh winters and bloom again in the spring, symbolizing hope, rebirth, and new beginnings.
- Harmony and Balance: With its symmetrical form and harmonious color, the Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen' can also represent harmony and balance in one's life.
WaterRose of Sharon requires deep watering to ensure moisture reaches the root zone; it should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, water every three to five days. A good rule of thumb is to apply about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard of soil around the plant each time you water. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases, and instead aim to water directly at the soil level. During the winter or in cooler climates, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.
LightRose of Sharon thrives in full sun as it requires plenty of light for optimal growth and flower production. A sunny spot that offers at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. However, in areas with extremely hot summers, a little afternoon shade can help prevent heat stress.
TemperatureRose of Sharon does well in a broad range of temperatures and can tolerate winter lows down to about 20°F, while summer highs can be well over 90°F without any detrimental effects. Ideally, maintain an environment between 60° and 85°F for the plant to flourish. It's hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, which should guide gardeners on the temperature conditions it can endure.
PruningPrune Rose of Sharon to maintain its shape and promote healthier, more robust growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually; aim to remove any dead or damaged wood and to thin out crowded areas, which improves air circulation and light penetration.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Rose of Sharon 'Mauve Queen' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A soil pH between 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal. For an optimal soil mix, combine two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingRose of Sharon 'Mauve Queen' being a larger shrub, is typically not repotted frequently. In a garden setting, repotting is unnecessary; however, if grown in a large container, repotting every few years in spring or when the plant outgrows its current pot may be necessary.
Humidity & MistingThe Rose of Sharon 'Mauve Queen' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. It performs well in everyday outdoor conditions where the natural humidity provides a suitable environment without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, regular watering.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Rose of Sharon 'Mauve Queen' begins with seed germination, which occurs when temperatures warm in spring, and requires well-drained soil with ample moisture. Once germinated, the seedling stage involves the growth of primary leaves and the establishment of a root system. Following the juvenile stage, the plant enters the vegetative stage, growing rapidly and developing the characteristic lobed leaves and sturdy stems of the species. The plant then enters the flowering stage, usually in mid to late summer, producing large, trumpet-shaped mauve flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods that mature and release seeds in late autumn, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, the shrub enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy before the cycle begins anew with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Hibiscus syriacus 'Mauve Queen', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is through softwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still flexible. To propagate, gardeners should select a healthy branch and cut a 4 to 6-inch section just below a leaf node, ensuring a few leaves remain at the top. This cutting can then be dipped in rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful root development. Afterward, it's planted in a mix of peat and perlite or sand, and kept moist until roots have established sufficiently, which usually takes a few weeks. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity levels, which are crucial for rooting. Once rooted, the young plants can be transplanted to larger pots or their final location in the garden.
