Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Speciosus' (d)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
rose of Sharon 'Speciosus'

ABOUT

The Hibiscus syriacus 'Speciosus', commonly known as the Rose of Sharon, is a flowering shrub with notable ornamental features. This plant is characterized by its showy blossoms which are large and trumpet-shaped. The flowers boast a striking coloration, with shades that can range from a soft pink to a more intense rosy hue. At the center of each bloom, there is often a deeper red or burgundy eye, which further accentuates the flower's appeal. The petals have a slightly ruffled appearance, lending an additional layer of texture to the plant's overall visual impact. These blossoms emerge amid the shrub's foliage which is typically bright green, with leaves that have a somewhat glossy finish and a toothed or serrated edge. This luscious green backdrop highlights the flowers, making them even more dramatic when in full bloom. Branching on the Rose of Sharon is upright and it often presents a fairly dense growth habit, supporting the foliage and flowers alike. When it is not in bloom, the plant maintains interest through its leafy presence, making it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting appeal to their landscape. Overall, the appearance of the Rose of Sharon 'Speciosus' is that of a lush and vibrant plant with a propensity for producing eye-catching blooms that adorn the shrub throughout the blooming season.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Malvaceae.

    • Synonyms

      Rose Of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus, Korean Rose.

    • Common names

      Althaea frutex, Hibiscus syriacus.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Rose of Sharon is considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with the plant, as it is not known to contain any substances harmful to human health in quantities that would cause concern. Therefore, ingesting parts of the Rose of Sharon is generally not expected to have serious consequences for humans.

    • To pets

      Rose of Sharon is generally regarded as non-toxic to pets as well. However, in some cases, pets that ingest large quantities of the plant may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. This is not due to any specific toxic compounds in the plant, but rather it may be a reaction to the ingestion of plant material that the pet's digestive system is not accustomed to. Overall, the Rose of Sharon is usually not a source of serious concern for pet owners in terms of toxicity.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Pink

    • Height

      8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters)

    • Spread

      6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

    • Plant type

      Shrub

    • Hardiness zones

      5-9

    • Native area

      China Korea

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Value: Hibiscus syriacus 'Speciosus', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its large, showy flowers that bloom from summer to fall.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, Rose of Sharon is fairly drought-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise landscaping.
    • Cold Hardy: It can survive in cold climates, tolerating temperatures down to USDA Hardiness Zone 5, which makes it suitable for many northern gardens.
    • Wildlife Attraction: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a source of nectar and contributing to pollinator health and biodiversity.
    • Easy to Grow: Rose of Sharon is known for its hardiness and ease of care, making it suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
    • Screening: With its tall and bushy growth habit, it can be used as a natural privacy screen or hedge.
    • Variety of Uses: It can be grown as a single specimen, in mixed borders, or as a foundation plant, offering versatility in garden design.
    • Long Blooming Period: It has a long blooming season, often from mid-summer to early fall, providing long-lasting color in the landscape.
    • Pruning Tolerance: Rose of Sharon can be pruned into tree form or shaped as desired, making it a good choice for formal gardens.
    • Seed Pods Interest: The plant produces seed pods that add additional visual interest to the garden in the late fall and winter.
    • Adaptability: It is adaptable to a range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    • This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Hair care products: Extracts from Hibiscus syriacus, known commonly as Rose of Sharon, are sometimes found in shampoos and conditioners to enhance the shine and health of hair.
    • Textile dye: The flowers can provide a natural dye for fabrics, offering colors from light pink to deep purple, depending on the mordant used.
    • Culinary garnish: The flowers, being edible, can be used to decorate salads and desserts, adding a touch of exotic beauty to dishes.
    • Amateur breeding: Garden enthusiasts sometimes use the Rose of Sharon for cross-pollination with other species to create hybrid varieties with unique colors and shapes.
    • Paper making: The fibrous stems of the plant may be used to make handmade paper, often with pieces of the blossoms embedded for a decorative effect.
    • Ink production: The pigments from the flowers could potentially be used to create natural inks for art or writing purposes.
    • Symbolic gift: In South Korea, where it's called mugunghwa, the plant is often used as a gift symbolizing immortality and enduring love due to its ability to survive harsh conditions.
    • Landscape design: Rose of Sharon serves as a privacy hedge or a focal point in garden designs due to its height and the density of its foliage.
    • Bee and butterfly garden: The plant is effective in attracting pollinators, making it an integral part of bee and butterfly gardens.
    • Woodworking: The wood of the plant is hard and fine-grained, making it suitable for small woodworking projects such as carvings and turnings.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Rose of Sharon is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Rose of Sharon is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Delicate Beauty: Hibiscus flowers are known for their large, showy blooms, which often symbolize delicate beauty and feminine elegance.
    • Glory: The blossoms of the Rose of Sharon (common name for Hibiscus syriacus 'Speciosus') are associated with glory due to their expansive and eye-catching nature.
    • Evanescent Nature: Since they typically only last for a short time once they bloom, these flowers can represent the fleeting nature of fame or personal glory.
    • Renewal: The Rose of Sharon has the ability to withstand harsh conditions and often signals the return of summer with its lush flowers, symbolizing rejuvenation and the renewal of life.
    • Femininity: The flower's softness and range of vibrant colors often associate it with the grace and beauty traditionally attributed to womanhood.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every 3-4 years
Repotting
🌱️
Summer to early autumn
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    The Rose of Sharon requires regular watering to stay healthy, particularly during dry periods. It should be watered deeply about once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated. During hot weather, increase the frequency to twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the plant's size and the soil's moisture level. Make sure the water penetrates the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches to encourage deep root growth. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.

  • sunLight

    Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day for optimal growth and blooming. While it can tolerate partial shade, the blooming may be reduced in less light. The ideal spot would be a south-facing location where it receives ample sunlight throughout the day without any obstructions.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Rose of Sharon prefers warm temperatures and cannot survive in extreme cold. It is hardy in a range from about 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods but grows best when the temperature is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can tolerate temperatures up to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit as long as it is well-watered.

  • scissorsPruning

    The Rose of Sharon benefits from annual pruning to maintain shape, encourage new growth, and increase blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Pruning can also be done to create a desired shape or to limit the plant's size.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The Rose of Sharon (common name) thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining, fertile, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A blend of loamy garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or sand in equal parts will create an ideal environment for this plant. Mulching can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

  • plantRepotting

    The Rose of Sharon does not need to be repotted often; it is typically repotted once every 3 to 5 years. Younger plants may grow more quickly and thus may need more frequent repotting until they reach maturity.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Rose of Sharon prefers average humidity levels, typical of outdoor conditions. It does not require special humidity considerations when grown in its natural, outdoor environment.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Provide bright light and well-draining soil.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in full sun, ensure well-drained soil.

    • Hardiness zone

      5-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Hibiscus syriacus 'Speciosus', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, begins its life as a seed, which, when planted in well-draining soil and with adequate warmth, will germinate and develop into a seedling. The seedling stage involves the growth of the first leaves and root system, which is crucial for its development into a young plant. As it matures into a young plant, it will develop more leaves and begin to form a woody stem, requiring more water and nutrients to support its growth. Throughout the growing season, the Rose of Sharon enters a period of vigorous growth where it produces its distinctive large, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors from mid-summer to early fall. After blooming, fertilized flowers will produce seed pods that, once matured, can be harvested for propagation or left to self-seed in the surrounding soil. During the winter months, the plant enters a dormant phase, losing leaves in colder climates, conserving energy to begin the cycle anew in the spring.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Summer to early autumn

    • Propogation: The Rose of Sharon, commonly referred to as Hibiscus syriacus 'Speciosus', can be propagated most effectively through softwood cuttings. This method is typically carried out in late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring that at least two to three pairs of leaves are present on the cutting. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to enhance root development before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should then be kept under conditions of high humidity, for instance by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and maintained in indirect sunlight until roots have formed, which typically takes a few weeks.