Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus or Althaea is also known as Rose of Sharon and is a member of the Mallow or Malvacea family. The same family as the tropical hibiscus. A native of India and China, This old southern favorite has been grown in New Orleans and most southern gardens since 1820 or before. In it’s countries of origin, it has been grown since records existed. This deciduous shrub or small tree blooms from summer to fall. This plant has been neglected way too long and even in my own yard. I have a Rose of Sharon in my back yard I planted 20 plus years ago. I was in my back yard last week and noticed it was blooming. I was shocked! It had a counterpart which had long since been mowed down by the guy who cuts my grass. This hardy plant is a nice clean plant that is on the narrow side and grows upright. No real pests or diseases except when in too much shade. I have done nothing to it since, whenever. I initially planted it in full sun but now its in part shade due to other neglected, overgrown plants that have shaded the area. Unlike it’s tropical cousin, Althaea can tolerate poor soils and light shade. More blooms can be had with an occasional deep watering during dry weather, when planted in full sun and with pruning. It has smaller blooms than the tropical hibiscus with some limited bloom colors. This shrub can take cold temperatures and does not freeze in our area.
Growth can be up to 12 feet. The leaves are medium texture and the plant grows at a moderate to slow rate. Althaeas prefer fertile, well drained soil. This plant is adapted to any garden. Flowers are single or double. Bell shaped flowers look like the tropical hibiscus but smaller. Blooms have 5 petals up to 4 inches depending on the cultivar. They come in white, shades of pinks, reds, lavender/purple and blue. Newer varieties have larger blooms in reds and dark purple blooms which bloom earlier and are shorter plants, Hummingbirds have been noted to like the single blooms. Althaeas grow well from cuttings or seed(plants vary from seeds). Some varieties include ‘Aphrodite’, very large ruffled pink flowers, ‘Diana’, pure white with waxy flowers and foliage and ‘Minerva’, large lavender-pink with darker centers.
submitted by Karen Blackburn