Rose of Sharon blooms provide beauty for a day

Rose of Sharon, also known as Althea, has been in bloom in our area since late July. Its scientific name is hibiscus syriacus and it is a member of the Mallow family. Its bloom period is mostly over, but one of its values in the landscape is that its best bloom period begins in July when a number of other flowering bushes have passed their peak.
Rose of Sharon will grow to eight to 12 feet high and should be pruned heavily in early spring because it blooms on new growth. It is one of the last shrubs to put on leaves.
Rose of Sharon does best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade and will grow in almost any soil except for extremely wet or extremely dry soil. The best choice is moist, well-drained soil supplemented with organic matter. It can be pruned to a tree shape or as a tall or small bush.
In the landscape, perhaps Rose of Sharon should be planted as a background plant in a group of three. Each bloom lasts only a day. If it isn’t deadheaded, the spent bloom will form a seed that can be planted and cultivated.
In some areas with receptive soil, the volunteer plants become a problem and have to be pulled up similar to the problem with elms, mulberries or hackberry seeds.
In recent years horticulturists have developed a number of cultivars with white, pink or blue blooms that have purple throats. Some cultivars have large blooms while other are smaller. Recent cultivars include Sugar Tip, Red Heart, Lil’ Kim, Mathilde, Blushing Bride, Minerva and Blue Satin.
When you are thinking about improvements to your yard, you might consider a few Rose of Sharon bushes for the back of the border.