Known to be one of the popular garden plants, the Rose of Sharon, is a very attractive shrub. Read about the physical form of this bush, as well as some care tips.
Commonly known as the Rose of Sharon, this is a very popular ornamental shrub used in North America. Its botanical name is Hibiscus syriacus, and is also called the Rose of Althea and Shrub Althea.
It belongs to the genus Hibiscus which has its origins in Asia, and hence is the national flower of South Korea. The Rose of Sharon is considered to be a bush or shrub.
This bush is a summer plant and its flowers are found in a variety of colors. These characteristics are the reason this plant is widely used in landscaping and gardening. It needs very little care, and even a single bush can change the visual appeal of the garden considerably.
Physical Form and Habit
The Rose of Sharon is known to be a deciduous shrub which is counted in the flowering bushes that grow in shade but need sunlight.
The full-grown bush has a height of about 8-10 ft, and about 6-8 ft in width. The shape of the bush is upright with multiple spread branches which contribute to the total width of the plant. When fully grown, the plant looks like a vase and often has roots outside the ground. Its extensive branches require regular pruning.
Flowers, Foliage, and Fruits
Since Rose of Sharon is a summer plant, the foliage is the best in these months. The 3 lobed leaves are dark green with coarsely toothed margins, of 2-4 inches long.
The surface is shiny and look completely different in autumn. During this time, they are yellow, weak, and not very shiny in nature.
The flowers of this bush are its crown, and are available in various colors and patterns. They are solitary, large, have five petals, and bloom in July, August, and September. They are found in red, lavender, pink, white, and purple.
This is what makes this shrub an attractive ornamental plant. The fruits of the bush are a brown capsule, these are about 0.76 inches long and have 5 valves.
Care
First, select a spot where there is enough sunlight, moisture, and open space to plant the bush. Adding fertilizers to these bushes at a young age is advised, this keeps the plant away from unwanted pests and provides the necessary nutrients.
Pinch dead blooms off, as they can lead to decay and also decrease the appeal of the plant. Pruning should be done in the late spring and during the summer. Another tip to keep your plants away from unwanted bugs is to combine insecticide with a bit of liquid soap.