Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge'
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as Woodbridge Rose of Sharon, features large, eye-catching flowers that are a hallmark of its appearance. The blooms are a deep pink shade with a prominent, darker pink to red center, which serves as a striking contrast. The center is often adorned with a stamen that emerges with a yellow tip, adding a touch of brightness to each flower. These flowers are trumpet-shaped and can be quite large, making them a prominent feature of the plant. The flowering period typically extends through the summer months, providing a long-lasting display of color. The leaves of the Woodbridge Rose of Sharon are a vibrant green, creating a lush backdrop for the bright blossoms. They have a somewhat glossy finish and a toothed edge, which adds texture to the foliage. The leaves are arranged alternately on the branches, contributing to the plant's dense and shrubby appearance. Overall, the Woodbridge Rose of Sharon has a bushy, spreading form, with multiple stems branching out from the base. The textured bark on these stems provides additional visual interest, especially during the winter months when the leaves have fallen. The combination of its showy flowers, attractive green foliage, and branching structure makes the Woodbridge Rose of Sharon a favored choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and elegance to their plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea, Syrian Ketmia, Rose Mallow
Common names
Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge'.
ToxicityTo humans
Rose of Sharon is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible. If a person is sensitive and ingests a significant amount of the plant, they might experience mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It's always recommended to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential pesticide application and the lack of information on their edibility and potential effects.
To pets
Rose of Sharon is known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs, cats, and horses. Ingesting this plant can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, more severe symptoms could occur, including lack of appetite, nausea, or even potential complications due to the obstruction from the plant material. It is advisable for pet owners to prevent their animals from ingesting this plant and to consult a veterinarian if any part of the plant is consumed.
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 'Woodbridge', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, displays attractive pink flowers with prominent red centers, enhancing the beauty of landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: This plant serves as a food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Tolerant to Various Conditions: It is adaptable to a range of soil types and tolerates urban pollution, making it suitable for city environments.
- Privacy Screen: With its bushy growth habit, the Rose of Sharon can be used as a natural privacy screen or hedge.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowering season extends from mid-summer to fall, providing color when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Versatile Landscaping: It can be incorporated into mixed borders, used as a specimen plant, or planted in groups for greater impact.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The bark of the Rose of Sharon can be used in the manufacture of natural fibres, which can be woven into a rough textile for various crafts and utilitarian uses.
- As a natural dye, the flowers of the Rose of Sharon can produce a delicate pinkish-purple color for fabric and paper products.
- Its wood, being quite firm, can be used in making small woodworking projects such as ornamental boxes or inlays.
- The flowers of Rose of Sharon can be used as a pretty and edible garnish in salads or on desserts, adding a touch of color to dishes.
- Used in traditional Korean paper making (Hanji), the mucilaginous components help to bind the paper fibers together.
- Landscape designers sometimes implement Rose of Sharon in topiary art due to its well-branched structure and attractive flowers.
- In temperate regions, this plant acts as a late source of nectar and pollen for bees, which are essential for pollinating other plant species.
- The Rose of Sharon has been used in symbolism and for ceremonial purposes, for example, in South Korea, it's the national flower and symbolizes immortality and perseverance.
- Floating the blooms in water bowls can create natural decorative centerpieces for tables in outdoor settings.
- The leaves can be used to create subtle prints on paper or cloth in the art of eco-printing, which uses natural materials to leave impressions.
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- Femininity: The hibiscus flower is often associated with femininity due to its soft, large petals and variety of colors.
- Beauty: The Woodbridge variety of hibiscus, with its striking pink bloom, represents beauty and attractiveness.
- Glory: Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, symbolizes glory or fame because of its showy nature.
- Royalty: The lush, full-bodied appearance of the hibiscus flower can symbolize regal presence and nobility.
- Immortality: In South Korea, where hibiscus syriacus is the national flower, it represents immortality and eternal life.
- Warmth and Hospitality: The welcoming appearance of the hibiscus flower suggests friendliness and hospitality.
WaterThe Rose of Sharon requires thorough watering, but it should not be overwatered to prevent root rot. It is best to water the plant deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the root zone, roughly once a week during hot and dry periods. The amount needed will depend on the weather and soil type, but generally, a newly planted shrub will need around 1 gallon of water, while established shrubs might require up to 3 gallons every week or two during active growth. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
LightThe best light condition for a Rose of Sharon is full sun to partial shade. This shrub thrives in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in areas with extremely hot summers, but too much shade may lead to fewer blooms. Ideally, plant it in a location that is sunny for most of the day.
TemperatureThe Rose of Sharon is quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 20°F during dormancy in winter to as high as 100°F in summer. However, the ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 60°F and 85°F. It's important to protect the plant from harsh winter winds which can affect its blooming in the following season.
PruningPruning the Rose of Sharon encourages a healthier plant structure and more vigorous blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches, and shape the plant as desired. It's also advised to thin out older branches every few years to allow light and air to penetrate the plant, which promotes better flowering. The plant blooms on new wood, so annual pruning won't affect blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRose of Sharon thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. A suitable soil mix is one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The ideal soil pH for Rose of Sharon is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingRose of Sharon, being a large shrub, is typically not repotted regularly. It's planted directly in the ground where it can grow without the need for repotting. Container-grown plants may require repotting every 3-5 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingRose of Sharon is adaptable to average humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive. It does well in the typical humidity levels found outdoors and can tolerate a range of conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, occasional watering, and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleHibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge', commonly known as Rose of Sharon, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring when the soil temperatures warm up. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the first leaves and roots, establishing the plant's initial growth. During the vegetative stage, the Rose of Sharon dramatically increases in size and produces more leaves, developing into a small shrub. The flowering stage typically occurs in the summer months, where this cultivar showcases its large, trumpet-shaped, pink flowers with a deep red center. After pollination, typically by bees or other insects, the plant enters the fruiting stage, producing dry capsules that contain seeds. In the last stage of its annual cycle, the plant undergoes dormancy in the fall and winter, shedding its leaves and preparing to start the cycle anew with the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagating the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge') is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. To propagate, take a cutting of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length from a healthy parent plant, making sure it has at least three sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful root development. Next, place the cutting into a pot filled with well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes are buried where the leaves were removed. Keep the soil consistently moist and the cutting in indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. After rooting, the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually planted out into the garden.
