Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart'
ABOUT
The Red Heart Rose of Sharon features a stunning display of large, trumpet-shaped flowers which are notable for their distinct coloration—pale pink to almost white petals with a striking deep red center or "heart." These blossoms usually bloom from the midsummer until early fall, offering a long-lasting floral show. Each flower has a prominent and showy stamen that adds to its ornamental appeal. The foliage of the Red Heart Rose of Sharon is also quite attractive, with leaves that are medium to dark green, glossy, and have a slightly toothed margin. The leaves can turn to a yellowish color in the fall, providing seasonal interest. The overall shape of the plant is upright and vase-like, contributing to its visual impact as a garden speciman. Its branches form a layered effect which gives it a lush appearance, even when it's not in bloom. This plant often serves as a focal point in landscapes due to its vibrant flowers and well-structured form.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rose Of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Rose Mallow, Syrian Ketmia, Hardy Hibiscus
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Rose of Sharon is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, this plant does not pose a risk if touched or ingested in small quantities. However, as with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities are possible. Ingesting any plant in large amounts might cause digestive discomfort or other non-specific symptoms due to the fibrous plant material.
To pets
The Rose of Sharon is considered to be mildly toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Although it is not usually life-threatening, ingesting parts of this plant might cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or loss of appetite in pets. If you suspect your pet has consumed a large amount of the Rose of Sharon, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian for appropriate care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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: Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart' is known for its large, showy flowers with a distinctive red center, which add a vibrant splash of color to any garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise landscaping.
- Wildlife Habitat: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: Rose of Sharon is known for being easy to care for, thriving in a wide range of soil types and requiring minimal maintenance.
- Privacy Screen: With its dense, bushy growth habit, Rose of Sharon can be used as a natural privacy screen or hedge.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowering season extends from mid-summer to fall, providing long-lasting beauty in the garden or landscape.
- Versatile Landscaping: This shrub can be planted individually, in groups, or as part of a mixed border, offering versatile design options.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Landscape Design Accent: The Rose of Sharon 'Red Heart' can be used as a focal point in garden landscapes due to its mid-summer flowering and attractive white petals with a red center.
- Hedging and Privacy Screens: Because of its dense growing habit, it can be planted in rows to create a living privacy screen between properties or along borders.
- Topiary and Ornamental Shaping: The plant can be pruned into various shapes for topiary gardens, offering a creative dimension to garden design.
- Wildlife Habitat: Rose of Sharon 'Red Heart' can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds within a garden ecosystem.
- Support for Pollinators: The flowers offer nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: It can be planted on slopes or banks to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its root system.
- Seasonal Interest: When planted in a mixed border, it extends the flowering season into late summer, when few other shrubs bloom.
- Fabric Dye: Historically, parts of the plant might have been used to create a natural green or brown dye for fabrics.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinctive flowers of the Rose of Sharon 'Red Heart' can provide artistic inspiration for painters and photographers.
- Edible Blooms: Some cultures use the flowers in culinary dishes or as a garnish, although it should be done with caution due to potential toxicity.
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- Beauty: Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is often associated with beauty because of its large, showy blooms that are eye-catching in any garden or setting.
- Love: The 'Red Heart' variety, in particular, with its red-tinged center, can symbolize passionate love, making it a popular choice for romantic gardens or as a gift between lovers.
- Femininity: The delicate and soft nature of the flower is frequently connected with femininity and the beauty of women.
- Renewal: As a perennial that blooms yearly, the Rose of Sharon represents renewal and the cyclical nature of life.
- Hope: Blooming late in the summer when many other plants have stopped flowering, the Rose of Sharon can symbolize hope, suggesting that beauty can emerge even in late or difficult seasons of life.
WaterThe Rose of Sharon prefers consistent moisture, so it is best to water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, this typically means watering once or twice a week, but be prepared to adjust based on weather conditions such as heat or rain. Each watering should provide enough water to soak the roots; this might equate to 1-2 gallons for smaller shrubs and up to 4-5 gallons for larger specimens. During winter, reduce watering as the plant's water needs decrease with cooler temperatures and dormancy.
LightThe Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be more prolific in full sun exposure. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an unobstructed southern, western, or eastern facing location where it can bathe in sunlight.
TemperatureThe Rose of Sharon is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures; however, it prefers a temperate climate. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around 20°F but performs best in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F. It's important to protect the plant from prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing, which can damage or kill it.
PruningPruning the Rose of Sharon can enhance its shape and encourage more vigorous blooming. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged wood and any crowded branches to improve air circulation. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to maintain the desired size and shape of the shrub.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Rose of Sharon 'Red Heart' thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically around 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant could be a blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and peat moss to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingRose of Sharon 'Red Heart' is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in a container, repotting should occur every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot, preferably in the spring.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon 'Red Heart' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in average outdoor humidity levels. Though adaptable, it performs best when there is good air circulation around the plant, particularly in humid climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep at average room temperature.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from strong winds, and mulch root zone.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleHibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart', commonly known as Rose of Sharon 'Red Heart', begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in warm, moist soil conditions in the spring. As a perennial, it then develops into a seedling, producing its first leaves and a root system. As it matures, the plant enters its vegetative stage, growing stems and larger leaves, and it can be propagated through cuttings or layering. After a few years, the plant reaches maturity and begins the reproductive stage, usually in the summer, producing large, trumpet-shaped flowers with a distinctive red center and white petals. Following pollination, often by insects, it produces dry, dehiscent fruits (capsules) containing multiple seeds, which disperse to give rise to new plants. In the fall, the Rose of Sharon 'Red Heart' enters dormancy, with leaves turning yellow and dropping, conserving energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is generally best propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. This popular method begins with selecting a healthy, non-flowering shoot of new growth. Cuttings of about 5 to 6 inches (about 12.7 to 15.2 centimeters) are snipped just below a leaf node. Leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed and the cut end dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, with the remaining leaves kept above the soil surface. The pot needs to be kept in a warm, brightly lit area but not in direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept consistently moist until roots have established, usually within a few weeks. To retain humidity, a plastic bag or a clear plastic dome can be placed over the cutting, making sure it does not touch the leaves.
