Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus Sup'Heart = 'Minomb' (PBR)
![rose of Sharon [Sup'Heart]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b637e3a4ca.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The Hibiscus syriacus Sup'Heart, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is a deciduous shrub known for its striking blooms and lush foliage. The plant is distinguished by its large, heart-shaped leaves that provide a verdant, lush backdrop to the flowers. During the blooming season, the Rose of Sharon showcases a profusion of ornate flowers that can captivate any onlooker. The flowers are a spectacle of color, featuring a stunning shade that may vary from a soft, romantic pink to a deeper, more vibrant hue. Each bloom typically has a darker-hued center, which creates an eye-catching contrast against the lighter petals. Moreover, the petals exhibit a unique ruffled texture that adds to the visual intricacy of the flower, making it a focal point in the garden. These flowers are usually quite sizable and trumpet-shaped, consisting of five broad petals that unfurl elegantly to reveal the plant's stamen and pistil, which are often a distinguished, contrasting color to the petals. The blossoming of these flowers is not just a one-time event; this plant is known for its lengthy flowering period, frequently covering the shrub in a profusion of blooms throughout the season, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Underneath the floral display, the foliage forms a dense and bushy appearance, with leaves that may have smooth or slightly serrated edges. As autumn approaches, the leaves might take on golden or yellow tones, offering a new spectrum of colors before they fall off as the plant prepares for its dormant winter phase. Overall, the Rose of Sharon offers a delightful display with its wonderful combination of heart-shaped leaves and large, showy flowers that are sure to stand out in any landscape where it is planted. Its vibrant bloom and foliage create a dynamic visual impact that can enhance ornamental gardens or serve as lovely hedges or screens without discussing the specifics of its size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Syrian Ketmia
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Minomb', Hibiscus syriacus Sup'Heart
ToxicityTo humans
Rose of Sharon is not known to be a toxic plant to humans. While there are no significant reports or studies suggesting that Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) has poisonous effects when touched or ingested, it is generally recommended to avoid eating plants not specifically grown for consumption to prevent any unexpected allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Rose of Sharon can potentially be toxic to pets. If a pet such as a dog or cat ingests this plant, they may experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's advisable to watch for these signs and contact a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has consumed any part of the Rose of Sharon plant. The plant contains substances like saponins and possibly others that could lead to these mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife 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
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Hibiscus syriacus 'Minomb' offers decorative flowers that enhance garden beauty and can serve as a focal point in landscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods of low water availability, which is beneficial in arid or drought-prone areas.
- Cold Hardy: The plant is relatively hardy in cooler climates, enabling it to survive in a range of environments.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, thus supporting biodiversity.
- Versatility: Suitable for various garden styles, including mixed borders, hedge plantings, and as a stand-alone specimen.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a long flowering season, typically from mid-summer to early fall, providing sustained visual interest.
- Privacy Screen: When used as a hedge or screen, it provides privacy and can block unattractive views.
- Resistance to Pests: Exhibits resistance to many common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Varied Colors: Blossoms in various shades add diversity to the garden color palette.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Paper Making: The bark and other fibrous parts of the Hibiscus syriacus can be used to make a type of organic, textured paper, often utilized in artisan crafts and eco-friendly packaging.
- Hair Care: The flowers and leaves of the Hibiscus syriacus may be used in homemade shampoos or conditioners to add shine and promote scalp health.
- Natural Dye: The blooms can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, offering shades of pink, blue, or purple depending on the mordant used.
- Educational Tool: The plant can serve as a learning aid in botany or horticulture classes, showcasing plant growth, floral structure, and pollination strategies.
- Livestock Feed: In some regions, the leaves of Hibiscus syriacus can be used as a supplementary feed for livestock, particularly goats.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of the flowers are sometimes used as a colorful garnish in gourmet dishes or in salads for a mild, citrus-like flavor.
- Ink Production: The plant's flowers can be used to craft natural inks for traditional calligraphy or art projects.
- Photography: The diverse and vibrant flowers provide excellent subjects for photography, making the Hibiscus syriacus a favorite among botanical photographers.
- Fish Composting: The plant material, being rich in nutrients, can be composted and used as a soil amendment or to create a nutrient-rich medium for raising fish in aquaponics systems.
- Biofuel Research: Scientists may use the Hibiscus syriacus in research for biofuel production due to its fast growth and the biomass it provides.
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, often represents beauty due to its large, colorful blooms that add aesthetic appeal to any garden.
- Love: The Rose of Sharon is also associated with love, reflecting its inviting and alluring nature, often given or planted to symbolize an affectionate feeling towards another.
- Femininity: Due to its delicate flowers, the Rose of Sharon can symbolize femininity, evoking a sense of grace and elegance.
- Renewal: As a plant that blooms annually, Rose of Sharon signifies renewal and the idea of starting anew, reflecting the cycles of life and nature.
- Healing: In some cultural contexts, the Rose of Sharon is a symbol of healing, with its properties being used traditionally in herbal medicine.
WaterThe Rose of Sharon should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, which typically equates to about 1 inch of water per week. During the first growing season, it's important to maintain an even moisture level to establish a robust root system. Watering should be done either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize water loss due to evaporation. In hot and dry conditions, you may need to water twice a week, whereas in cooler weather or if your soil retains moisture well, watering once a week might suffice. When watering, apply water directly to the soil rather than overhead to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
LightRose of Sharon thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a planting spot that is free from shadows for most of the day to ensure the plant gets enough light. Though it can tolerate partial shade, flowering is most abundant when the plant is placed in an area with ample sunlight.
TemperatureThe Rose of Sharon is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, ideally growing in conditions between 60°F and 90°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to 20°F but is happiest when not subjected to prolonged periods of extreme cold. During the growing season, maintaining temperatures within its preferred range encourages robust growth and flowering.
PruningPruning the Rose of Sharon is essential to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more prolific blooming. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation. Pruning can be done annually, but be mindful to only remove about one-third of the plant material in a single session to avoid causing stress to the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRose of Sharon requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter; a mix of loam, peat, and perlite creates optimal conditions. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingRose of Sharon is usually grown as a shrub in the garden and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when outgrowing its pot is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor conditions; it doesn't require special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny area with well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleHibiscus syriacus 'Sup'Heart', commonly known as Rose of Sharon or Shrubby Althea, starts its life as a seed, which germinates in spring under the right moisture and temperature conditions. After germination, the seedling develops into a young plant, growing leaves and roots. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative stage, during which it develops a woody stem and a robust root system. It reaches maturity in a few years, when it begins to produce its characteristic large, trumpet-shaped flowers, usually in summer to fall. Reproductive maturity continues annually, where the plant blooms, and the flowers are pollinated, leading to the production of seeds. In winter, the plant goes dormant, shedding its leaves in colder climates, and then resumes its growth cycle with the return of warm weather in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Hibiscus syriacus Sup'Heart, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is usually done in late spring to early summer when new growth is still flexible and not yet mature. Cuttings about 4 to 6 inches long are taken from healthy branches, making sure each cutting has several leaf nodes. The bottom leaves of the cuttings are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The treated cuttings are then planted in a mix of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring at least one leaf node is below the surface. The containers are kept in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the medium is kept moist until roots have developed, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
