Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Meehanii' (v)

Water

Rose of Sharon requires regular watering to establish a strong root system, especially during its first growing season. After establishment, it's fairly drought-tolerant but performs best with regular moisture. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist to a depth of 8-12 inches. During hot or dry weather, you might need to water every 2-3 days. Be cautious not to over-water, as Rose of Sharon doesn't like wet feet; you should aim for a total of about 1-1.5 gallons per week depending on the weather and soil drainage.

Light

Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun and can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot would be one where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Too little light can lead to fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit. Avoid heavily shaded areas, which can compromise blooming and overall health.

Temperature

Rose of Sharon is quite hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures, from winter lows down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit to summer highs well over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing temperatures range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive brief periods of colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to conditions below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can be damaging.

Pruning

Pruning Rose of Sharon is essential for maintaining a neat shape, encouraging bushier growth, and enhancing flower production. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune once a year to remove dead wood and shape the plant; additionally, you can deadhead spent blooms during the growing season to encourage more flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for a Rose of Sharon is well-draining with plenty of organic matter. A mix containing two parts loam, one part peat, and one part perlite or sand would be ideal. The soil pH should generally be kept between 5.5 and 7.5 to ensure the plant's health.

Repotting

Rose of Sharon, being a shrub, is typically not repotted as it is usually planted directly in the ground outdoors. If grown in a pot, repotting every 2-3 years may be necessary to provide fresh soil and additional space for roots.

Humidity & Misting

Rose of Sharon tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to high humidity. It does not have specific humidity requirements, making it adaptable to most outdoor environments where it is commonly grown.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, avoid over-watering, room temp ideal.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, water when topsoil dry.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA.

Life cycle

Hibiscus syriacus 'Meehanii', commonly known as Rose of Sharon 'Meehanii', begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in fertile soil and given adequate moisture, will germinate to produce a small seedling. As the seedling takes root, it enters a vegetative stage, producing stems, leaves, and roots, and gradually matures into a young plant. Throughout spring and summer, the Rose of Sharon grows and enters its reproductive phase, flowering profusely with variegated blooms that attract pollinators, which are essential for the cross-pollination necessary for seed production. Following pollination, the plant develops seed pods that ripen and eventually release seeds in late summer or fall, completing the reproductive cycle. During the winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy, conserving energy and shedding leaves in climates with cold winters. Come spring, the cycle begins anew as the plant breaks dormancy, resuming growth and preparing for another season of flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Rose of Sharon 'Meehanii', a variegated form of Hibiscus syriacus, is most commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from new growth that has begun to mature and harden, usually during late spring through summer. The cutting, typically 4 to 6 inches long, should include several leaf nodes. Stripping the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can enhance rooting success. The prepared cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. To maintain humidity, a plastic bag or a dome can be placed over the cutting, ensuring it does not touch the leaves. The pot should be kept in indirect light until roots develop, after which the new plant can gradually be acclimated to more light and eventually transplanted outdoors.