Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus Purple Ruffles = 'Sanchoyo' (d)
ABOUT
The Hibiscus syriacus Purple Ruffles, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is a visually striking plant that boasts a luxurious appearance. It's adorned with distinctive double flowers that capture the eye with their deep purple hue. These blooms have a ruffled texture, which further enhances their ornamental value, giving the impression of a lavish, frilly display. The leaves of the Rose of Sharon are a fresh green color, providing a lush backdrop that makes the purple flowers stand out even more prominently. The foliage is heart-shaped with a slightly glossy finish, adding to the plant's overall healthy and vibrant look. As the seasons change, the leaves may turn yellow, bringing a new aspect to the garden's color palette before they are shed. The stems are woody, lending the plant a robust and enduring structure. With time, the Rose of Sharon develops into an elegant and upright form, creating an enticing focal point in any garden or landscape setting. Its dense growth habit allows it to serve as a striking stand-alone specimen or as part of a hedge or border. Throughout the blooming season, which typically spans from mid-summer to early fall, the plant continuously produces new flowers, ensuring a long-lasting and ever-changing display of beauty. The contrast of the deep purple flowers against the verdant green leaves is not only appealing to the human eye but also attracts pollinators, adding to the ecological value of this ornamental shrub. Overall, the Rose of Sharon with its 'Purple Ruffles' variety is a testament to the splendid and intricate displays that nature can produce, inviting onlookers to stop and appreciate the depth and richness of its floral presentation.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Rose of Sharon, Althea, Shrub Althea, Korean Rose, Syrian Ketmia, Rose Mallow
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Sanchoyo'.
ToxicityTo humans
Rose of Sharon, which is the most common name for Hibiscus syriacus, including the cultivar 'Purple Ruffles' ('Sanchoyo'), is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities could possibly cause mild stomach upset or dermatitis in some people.
To pets
Rose of Sharon is mildly toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, it could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these symptoms are self-limiting and not life-threatening, but if a pet consumes a large quantity of the plant, or if you notice severe symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its ruffled, purple flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, reducing the need for irrigation.
- Adaptable: Thrives in a variety of soil types and conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides visual interest from late spring to fall, with peak blooming in summer.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used as a natural privacy screen or hedge when planted in groups.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and nesting spots for birds within its dense foliage.
- Resilience: Shows good resistance to pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy garden presence.
- Deciduous Nature: Shedding leaves in fall can add organic matter to the soil and provide a different seasonal look.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Garnishes: The flowers of the Rose of Sharon can be used as a colorful, edible garnish for salads or desserts.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The blossoms have been used traditionally to create a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a delicate pink-purple hue.
- Symbolic Gift: In some cultures, giving someone a Rose of Sharon can symbolize everlasting love and is a thoughtful plant gift.
- Cultural Ceremonies: Its flowers are sometimes used in cultural ceremonies or religious events as a decorative element.
- Landscape Design: The distinct purple color and ruffled blooms provide an eye-catching element in landscape design where color theming is desired.
- Art Inspiration: The unique appearance of 'Sanchoyo' can inspire artists and photographers, serving as a subject for their work.
- Live Fencing: When planted in rows, Rose of Sharon can function as an attractive live fence or privacy screen.
- Paper Making: The fibers from the stems can be used in the process of making handmade paper.
- Craft Projects: Dried flowers from the Rose of Sharon are sometimes incorporated into craft projects, such as potpourri or wreaths.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of flowering shrubs.
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 syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, has large, ruffled, purple flowers that symbolize delicate beauty, representing finesse and a fine aesthetic.
- Femininity: The soft, lush petals are often associated with femininity and the beauty of womanhood.
- New Beginnings: Blooming in late summer, the Rose of Sharon symbolizes new beginnings and is often planted to signify the start of a personal or spiritual journey.
- Immortality: In South Korea, where the Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower, it symbolizes immortality and eternal life due to the plant's resilience and ability to withstand harsh conditions.
- Love and Affection: The vibrant flowers convey feelings of affection, making them suitable for gifts expressing love or friendship.
WaterRose of Sharon should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the root zone, usually amounting to about 1 inch of water per week, depending on the weather conditions. In the absence of rainfall, water the plant every week or more frequently during hot, dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as Hibiscus syriacus does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. If you're using a hose, gently soak the base of the plant until the soil is moist and then allow it to dry out slightly before the next watering. It is better to water deeply and less frequently than to give it a little water often, as this encourages deep root growth.
LightRose of Sharon thrives best in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day to promote the best flowering. If planted in too much shade, it may lead to fewer blooms and leggy growth.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for Rose of Sharon ranges from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It's a hardy shrub that can withstand winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will be optimal when the temperature is warm without being excessively hot. During extremes of heat, additional watering may support the plant well.
PruningPrune Rose of Sharon to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth as well as to remove any dead wood. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It can be pruned annually; however, since it blooms on new wood, heavy pruning should be done sparingly to not reduce the coming season's blooms. Light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to remove unwanted branches or to shape the plant as desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRose of Sharon requires well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, generally around 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix would be composed of loamy garden soil amended with compost and peat moss to improve fertility and drainage.
RepottingRose of Sharon is typically grown in the ground and does not require frequent repotting. However, if grown in a container, it may need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon thrives in average outdoor humidity levels; it is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity adjustments when planted outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade with room to grow.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycle'Sanchoyo' (d), commonly known as Purple Ruffles Rose of Sharon, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in spring when soil temperatures warm. After sprouting, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, where it develops a strong root system and foliage. As it matures, usually by the second or third year, it enters the flowering stage during summer months, producing its distinctive purple-ruffled flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the plant forms seed pods that, once dry, release seeds to propagate the next generation. Over autumn and winter, Purple Ruffles Rose of Sharon may become dormant, especially in cooler climates, shedding leaves and conserving energy until the cycle restarts with the next warm season. This plant is perennial, and with proper care, it can go through its growth cycle for many years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Hibiscus syriacus 'Purple Ruffles', also known as Rose of Sharon, involves using semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is typically done in late summer. To propagate, one should select a healthy, disease-free branch and cut a section approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The bottom leaves of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where you removed the leaves are buried beneath the soil surface. The pot should be kept moist but not waterlogged and in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Roots will typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into the garden or repotted.
