Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Snowdrift'
ABOUT
Hibiscus syriacus 'Snowdrift' is a delightful plant known more commonly as the Rose of Sharon. This variety of Rose of Sharon boasts beautiful pure white flowers that have a very pronounced and attractive stamen that stands out with a contrasting red-purple color, offering a stunning visual display. The blooms are large, conspicuous, and trumpet-shaped, inviting to both the eyes and the local pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The foliage of the 'Snowdrift' is made up of broad, bright green leaves that create a lush backdrop for the crisp white flowers that typically bloom from mid-summer to fall, providing a prolonged period of visual interest. This Rose of Sharon variety exhibits a bushy, upright growth habit, forming a well-structured shrub whose branches will be generously dotted with blooms during the flowering season. The combination of the dark foliage and the bright flowers gives 'Snowdrift' a classic elegance that can enhance any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus, Syrian Ketmia
Common names
Althaea frutex, Hibiscus syriacus var. antillanorum, Hibiscus syriacus var. simplex.
ToxicityTo humans
Rose of Sharon is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant typically does not lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist, and it's always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
To pets
Rose of Sharon is also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. Eating this plant does not typically result in poisoning or serious health issues for pets like dogs and cats. Nevertheless, the ingestion of any non-food plant can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to the plant's fiber content or individual sensitivities, even if the plant is not inherently poisonous.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Decorative Flowers: The Hibiscus syriacus 'Snowdrift' produces large, white, showy flowers that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting local biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this hibiscus variety shows a good level of drought tolerance, requiring less frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it convenient for most gardeners.
- Adaptability: Snowdrift can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, fertile soils.
- Privacy Screen: It can be used as a natural privacy screen or hedge when planted in a row.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant offers seasonal interest with its late summer to fall blooming period.
- Urban Tolerant: The shrub can tolerate urban pollution, making it suitable for city gardens.
- Cold Hardy: It is relatively cold hardy, resilient in many climates where other hibiscus varieties may not thrive.
- Erosion Control: The fibrous root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Blooms: The flowers of the Rose of Sharon 'Snowdrift' can be used to make a delicate and flavorful herbal tea or can be crystallized for decorative dessert garnishes.
- Fabric Dye: The blossoms can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, lending a soft, plant-based color to textiles.
- Plant Pigment for Art: The petals of the flower can be crushed to extract pigments for natural, botanical watercolor paints or inks used in art projects.
- Culinary Garnish: Fresh or dried petals can be sprinkled over salads or used as a garnish to add a touch of elegance and slight floral flavor to dishes.
- Landscape Design: It serves as a living fence or privacy screen in landscaping, helping to create secluded areas in gardens and parks.
- Holiday Decor: Branches and dried flowers of the Rose of Sharon 'Snowdrift' can be included in floral arrangements for festive decorations during holidays.
- Companion Planting: It can be used in companion planting to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting nearby fruit and vegetable crops.
- Floral Crafts: The flowers and leaves can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, preserving the essence of summer with their fragrance and beauty.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, the plant is used in ceremonies or given as a gift to symbolize different emotions or sentiments, depending on the context.
- Erosion Control: The Rose of Sharon 'Snowdrift' can be planted on slopes to help prevent soil erosion with its root system that stabilizes the ground.
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: The Hibiscus syriacus 'Snowdrift', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, often symbolizes delicate beauty due to its elegant, white blooms.
- Femininity: Rose of Sharon's soft, lush petals are frequently associated with feminine energy and beauty.
- Renewal: The plant blooms in late summer, representing rejuvenation and the idea of starting anew, as it brings color and life when most other plants are fading.
- Love: In various cultures, hibiscus flowers are given to convey romantic love and affection.
- Life and Vitality: Rose of Sharon's robust growth and generous flowering are often seen as a symbol of life's energy and the vitality of nature.
- Healing: Some traditions associate the hibiscus with healing due to its medicinal uses in herbal teas and remedies.
- Overcoming Challenges: The ability of the Rose of Sharon to thrive in a variety of conditions can represent resilience and the capacity to overcome difficulties in life.
WaterRose of Sharon, commonly known as 'Snowdrift', should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, about once a week, providing 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency should be increased to twice a week. It's essential to maintain consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly when the plant is establishing in the first few years. Over the cooler months, reduce watering to avoid waterlogging the soil.
LightRose of Sharon thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot is an area where the plant can receive morning sunlight and some partial afternoon shade to protect from intense heat. Avoid deeply shaded locations to promote healthy flowering and growth.
TemperatureRose of Sharon is quite hardy, withstanding temperatures down to 20°F and up to 100°F but growing best in the range of 60°F to 90°F. Young plants should be protected from freezing temperatures and established shrubs can handle cold winters, demonstrating hardiness in USDA zones 5 through 9.
PruningPruning Rose of Sharon is necessary for shaping the plant, removing dead branches, and encouraging more prolific flowering. Prune early in the spring before new growth begins, and consider a more thorough pruning every few years to rejuvenate older plants. Periodic trimming of wayward branches can be done throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRose of Sharon (common name of Hibiscus syriacus 'Snowdrift') prefers well-draining, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. A balanced soil mix consisting of two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part perlite or sand works best to ensure drainage and fertility. The best soil pH for Rose of Sharon is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingRose of Sharon does not typically require frequent repotting, as it is usually grown outdoors as a shrub. If grown in a container, it should be repotted when it becomes root-bound or every 3 to 5 years, using a larger pot and fresh soil to encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon is adaptable to a variety of humidity conditions but prefers average humidity levels. It thrives outdoors in the humidity present in its hardiness range and does not require specific humidity adjustments when planted in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and keep in a large container.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleHibiscus syriacus 'Snowdrift', commonly known as Rose of Sharon 'Snowdrift', begins its life cycle with germination of seeds, which typically occurs in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. Following germination, it enters the seedling stage, establishing roots and a pair of true leaves, and begins photosynthesizing. As it enters the juvenile stage, it develops a more robust root system, grows stems and additional leaves, and increases in size, generally not flowering during this time. Upon reaching maturity, which can be several years after planting, it begins to flower, producing its characteristic white blossoms typically from mid-summer to fall, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the plant forms seed pods that mature and eventually open to release seeds, thus completing its reproductive cycle. During winter, the Rose of Sharon 'Snowdrift' enters a period of dormancy, where it loses its leaves and conserves energy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Hibiscus syriacus 'Snowdrift', commonly known as the Rose of Sharon, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and green. Cuttings should be about 5 to 6 inches long, and the lower leaves must be removed. The cut base of the cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or sand. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light until roots have formed, which usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
![Abutilon [Yellow Trumpet]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5caa8b4fb.png&w=640&q=75)
