Flowering Shrub: Rose-of-Sharon or Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)

The Rose-of-Sharon or Hibiscus, as it is sometimes known, is a stunning flowering shrub whose showy blooms range from white to reddish-purple. The Rose of Sharon blooms throughout most of the summer. The leaves of the hibiscus are coarsely serrated and often three-lobed, ovate or diamond shaped, green above, and slighter paler on its underside.

For a visual treat, order several colors or varieties of Rose of Sharon and plant them together for a beautiful hedge.

The Rose-of-Sharon is ideal as a background shrub - although its flowers are pretty, the shrub itself is generally not considered a focal point. Rose of Sharon tends to blend in better as part of a group, or surrounded by other shrubs, flowering or evergreen.

Sometimes Rose of Sharon or Hibiscus is classified as a small tree, depending upon how it is pruned or how tall it is allowed to grow. This flowering shrub adapts easily to several soil types, but thrives most when it is well drained, and high in humus.

Rose-of-Sharon's flowers are borne on the current year's growth, meaning that spring stems produce autumn's flowers. Pruning the hibiscus shrub to control size should be done in the late winter or early spring before the plants begin to grow. Do not prune the Rose-of-Sharon in summer time or its blossoms will be reduced, decreasing the beauty of the shrub. Keep in the sun or in light shade.

To propagate Rose of Sharon, use cuttings, layering, or grafting. It does not grow well from seeds.