Rose of Sharon is a hardy, easy to grow shrub that survives in a myriad of conditions, even neglect. Rose of Sharon is in the hibiscus family and is one of the few shrubs to bloom in late summer and into the fall. If left un-pruned, this shrub can grow to 10 feet tall and wide. Rose of Sharon is hardy from USDA growing zones 5 to 9. The flowers of Rose of Sharon bloom in shades of white, pink, purple and red and will attract birds and butterflies to the garden. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
- 1
Plant your Rose of Sharon in full sun. Although this shrub will grow in partial to full shade, it produces more flowers in full sun. Rose of Sharon will adapt to a myriad of soils, but it prefers an organic, well-drained soil. Before planting, amend your soil with compost, especially if it's heavy clay or overly sandy.
2Water your Rose of Sharon plant when the top 3 inches of soil are dry. This shrub will tolerate some drought but drought conditions may inhibit flower production. Mulch your Rose of Sharon well, especially during the first year, to protect the plant's maturing root system.
3Fertilize your mature Rose of Sharon once a year with a general purpose fertilizer in the spring when new growth emerges. Do not overfeed. Too much nitrogen will result in vigorous leaf growth, but decreased flower production.
4Prune your Rose of Sharon in late winter after the blooms have faded from the tree and before new growth appears. Flowers are produced on new growth. Rose of Sharon can be pruned to have only one trunk. Pruning Rose of Sharon will result in few flowers but the individual flowers will be larger.
5Check for fungal infections, especially during the wet season and if your Rose of Sharon is growing in partial shade. Aphids may feed off your Rose of Sharon shrub, leaving a sticky residue called honeydew behind. This honeydew will attract a fungus called sooty mold. Inspect the shrub for cankers and twig dieback caused by fungal infections. If a fungal infection is present, treat with a fungicide.
