Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus Russian Violet = 'Floru'
![rose of Sharon [Russian Violet]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5b3ec791f.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The Hibiscus syriacus Russian Violet, commonly known as Rose of Sharon 'Floru', is a striking flowering shrub. Its appearance is characterized by lush, green foliage and notable blossoms that make a statement in any garden. The leaves are medium to dark green, with a slightly glossy finish and a toothed edge, giving them a textured look. When it comes to the flowers, this cultivar is particularly beautiful with its rich, violet-blue petals. These blooms are notable for their size and are often ruffled, with a hint of a deeper tone or sometimes a reddish center that can add depth to their overall color palette. The contrast between the vibrant flowers and the green leaves creates an eye-catching display that can last from mid-summer into the fall, as this plant is known for its long blooming season. The flowers also typically feature a prominent, showy stamen that extends out from the center, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees. Overall, the Rose of Sharon 'Floru' makes a stunning addition to any landscape with its mesmerizing blooms and lush foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rose Of Sharon, Syrian Ketmia, Shrub Althea, Rose Mallow
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Floru'
ToxicityTo humans
Rose of Sharon, known scientifically as Hibiscus syriacus and with the cultivar name 'Floru', is not considered toxic to humans. In general, this plant poses minimal risk if ingested. However, as with any non-food plant, eating large quantities of the leaves or flowers may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or diarrhea. It’s always prudent to exercise caution and avoid eating parts of ornamental plants.
To pets
The Rose of Sharon is known to be slightly toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, they may experience mild symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. In most cases, the toxicity is low, and severe poisoning is uncommon. However, if you suspect your pet has consumed a significant amount of the Rose of Sharon, it is advisable to monitor them closely and consult a veterinarian for guidance.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
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- Ornamental Appeal: Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon or Korean Rose, has vibrant purple flowers that enhance the aesthetic of gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this shrub is capable of withstanding periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Rose of Sharon is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep.
- Adaptability: This plant can thrive in a range of soil types and conditions, from clay to loam and from acidic to alkaline pH levels.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: With its late summer blooming, it adds color to the garden when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in groups or as a hedge, it can provide privacy and reduce noise pollution from roads and neighbors.
- Cold Hardiness: Rose of Sharon is resilient to cold climates, making it suitable for gardeners in cooler regions.
- Versatility: It can be used in mixed borders, as a specimen plant or even trained into a small tree form for different landscaping effects.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowering period spans several months, providing long-term visual interest.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink Production: The flowers of the Rose of Sharon can be used to create a natural plant-based ink for art and craft purposes.
- Fabric Dye: The blossoms can be used to dye fabrics, yielding shades of pink, purple, and blue, depending on the mordants used.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a pop of color and mild flavor.
- Botanical Illustration: Artists may use the Rose of Sharon as a subject for botanical illustration due to its distinctive blooms.
- Traditional Ceremonies: In some cultures, the flowers are used in wedding ceremonies or other traditional events as symbols of beauty or unity.
- Photography: The plant is a popular subject for garden photographers thanks to its vibrant flowers and lush foliage.
- Season Indication: The blooming period of the Rose of Sharon can be used by gardeners to indicate the peak of summer and plan for seasonal gardening activities.
- Teaching Aid: Educators may use the plant to teach students about pollination, as it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Ecological Studies: Scientists might use the Rose of Sharon in studies of urban greening and its effects on local ecosystems.
- Interior Decoration: Dried flowers and branches can be used to create long-lasting indoor floral arrangements and wreaths.
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: Hibiscus flowers are often associated with delicate beauty, due to their large, colorful, and delicate blooms.
- Femininity: In some cultures, the hibiscus is symbolic of femininity and womanhood, represented by its soft and delicate appearance.
- Perfect Love: Hibiscus can represent the perfect love or affection in some contexts, possibly due to its heart shape and beauty.
- Invitation for Travel: Hibiscus, especially in Hawaii, suggests an invitation for travel or voyages, as it is synonymous with the island's allure.
- Invincibility: The Rose of Sharon variety specifically, to which the Hibiscus syriacus belongs, is often regarded as a symbol of invincibility, with its ability to withstand harsh environments and still bloom.
- Welcome: In many places, the Hibiscus syriacus is used to symbolize a warm welcome, often planted near home entrances.
- National Symbolism: Being the national flower of South Korea, it also represents national pride and identity for Koreans.
- Purity: The Rose of Sharon's religious connotations include purity and chastity, particularly in Christianity and in literary works like the Bible.
WaterRose of Sharon, commonly known as Hibiscus syriacus 'Floru', should be watered deeply, ensuring moisture penetrates the soil to encourage deep rooting. Watering should occur once or twice a week, providing approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each session, though this can vary based on climate and soil conditions. During the first growing season, you'll want to establish a good root system, so steady, consistent watering is important. Once established, Rose of Sharon is fairly drought-tolerant but will perform best when not allowed to dry out completely. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency as needed to prevent stress.
LightThe Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, as this promotes the best bloom production. However, in regions with very intense sun, some light afternoon shade can help protect the plant and keep its blossoms from fading.
TemperatureRose of Sharon is quite hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures; it typically does well in USDA zones 5 through 8. Ideally, it prefers temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure the plant stays healthy, avoid placing it in areas where winter temperatures frequently drop below this range.
PruningPruning the Rose of Sharon is necessary to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and enhance flowering. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune back last year's growth by about one-third to promote the development of new shoots. It is also a good practice to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as you notice them to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'Russian Violet') thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant could consist of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part perlite or sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingRose of Sharon typically does not require frequent repotting as it is commonly grown as a shrub in the landscape. If grown in a container, repotting should be done every 3 to 5 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. Normal outdoor humidity is generally adequate for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and keep it at room temperature.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and prune in late winter or early spring.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Rose of Sharon 'Russian Violet' ('Floru') begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, which requires warm temperatures to germinate. Once germinated, the seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the first leaves and root system development. As it matures into a young plant, it undergoes vegetative growth, producing more leaves and stems, slowly forming its woody structure. During the flowering stage, which typically occurs in summer, the Rose of Sharon displays its distinctive violet blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, it produces seeds encased in dry fruit capsules that can be dispersed to start a new life cycle. Throughout the fall and winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy to conserve energy, shedding leaves in colder climates, before resuming growth in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is best propagated during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is through softwood cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy young shoot of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is snipped just below a leaf node. This cutting is then stripped of the lower leaves and dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is placed in a pot filled with a sterile potting mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed, which typically takes several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden.
