Rose of Sharon [Pink Chiffon] Hibiscus syriacus Pink Chiffon = 'Jwnwood4' (PBR) (Chiffon Series) (d)

Water

The Rose of Sharon requires regular watering to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week with approximately 1-1.5 gallons of water, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly soaked. In hot, dry periods, water the plant twice a week, but always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-watering. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to encourage healthy root growth.

Light

Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal location provides at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which encourages optimal blooming. If you plant it in a spot that gets too much shade, it may not bloom as prolifically. However, in regions with intense summer heat, afternoon shade can help prevent scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

Rose of Sharon is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, performing best in conditions between 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -10 degrees Fahrenheit, but consistently cold conditions below this can damage the plant. Ideally, the Rose of Sharon should be grown in regions where temperatures typically do not drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Rose of Sharon is crucial to stimulate blooming, maintain a desirable shape, and remove dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune selectively to encourage a well-branched structure, and remove only a third of the plant material each year to keep the plant vigorous. Deadheading spent flowers during the growing season can also promote further blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rose of Sharon thrives best in well-draining soil with high organic matter. A mix of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand will ensure good drainage and aeration. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

Rose of Sharon, being a large shrub, is not commonly repotted. It is typically planted and left to grow in the ground. If grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years in spring is sufficient, or when it outgrows the pot.

Humidity & Misting

Rose of Sharon is tolerant of various humidity conditions and does well in average outdoor humidity levels. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when planted in a garden setting.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, ensure pot has drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, water to establish, mulch base.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Rose of Sharon 'Pink Chiffon' begins with seed germination or propagation from cuttings, which usually occurs in the spring. After germination, the seedling grows rapidly, developing into a young plant with a strong root system and foliage. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative stage where it produces leaves and branches, eventually reaching its full size and shape over several years. Once mature, the Rose of Sharon 'Pink Chiffon' will enter the flowering stage, typically in late summer, producing the characteristic large, double pink flowers that attract pollinators and are a highlight of the plant's life cycle. After pollination, the flowers will develop into seed pods if conditions permit, which upon maturing, disperse seeds to continue the cycle. The plant then goes into a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy to begin the cycle again in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Hibiscus syriacus Pink Chiffon, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender but has started to mature. Gardeners start by taking a 4- to 6-inch long cutting from a healthy branch, stripping the lower leaves, and then dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cutting is then planted in a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. The cutting needs to be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect sunlight until roots have established, which typically takes several weeks.