Rose of Sharon is the perfect option in case you are look for a plant that is hardy. Here is some basic information about this flowering plant, and also tell you how to take care of it.
I am a rose of Sharon A lily of the valley As a lily grown among the thorns Love in this world has found me As an apple tree among the trees That grow deep in the forest My lover's form in comely With life and limb most joyous
Rose of Sharon by Joan Baez is one of the many songs that has been inspired by this beautiful plant. A very pretty hibiscus, whose taxonomical name is Hibiscus syriacus, it shares its common name with one other plant, Hypericum calycinum.
A hardy deciduous plant, the best time to enjoy the beauty of the plant is in summer. The flowers are about 2 to 4 inches in size. The distinguishing characteristic of these flowers is their cherry red throat. Not only are these plants ornamental, but their cultivars also produce edible flowers.
Planting Instructions
These tips will help you get healthy plants. The plant grows 8-12 feet in height. It can spread to about 6-10 feet. Plant them in a protected area.
Avoid areas where the cold climate can affect it. The area where you plant it should receive full sun and have well-drained soil. Growing these plants in large pots will make it easier for you to move these plants indoors during cold winters.
You can collect seeds from a mature plant after the pods dry up. Plant the seeds where you want to, which can either be outside in the garden, or in a pot. The seeds will germinate pretty soon, and the plants will take root.
It is possible to get the seeds from a local nursery as well, if you do not have a previous harvest of these flowers. You can also plant saplings, either in spring or fall.
In order to plant the sapling, you need to dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball. Make the hole about 2 to 3 inches wide. Then place a small amount of compost in the soil, if the quality of the soil is poor. Gently remove the plant from the container and place it in the hole. Slowly fill the hole with soil half way.
Pour water and allow the soil to settle. After the water drains off, fill the hole with soil, and water the plant again. Once the plant has established roots, do not water it a lot. Do so only when you find the top layer of the soil dry. Too much water will cause the plant to die.
Care
Since it is a deciduous plant, it is absolutely normal to see the plant shed most of its leaves with the approach of fall. You should spread a layer of compost under the shrub every spring.
Mulching will help retain moisture and keep away weeds in summer. Water the plant every week in summer. Spring would be the correct time to prune the shrub. Do so by pruning 2-3 buds for every branch.
This will encourage the growth of larger flowers. It is also important that you remove all the dead, diseased, and injured branches, to ensure that the infection does not spread in any form.
You can bring home some popular cultivars like Lady Stanley, Lucy, Minerva, Diana, Blushing Bride, etc. The many colors in which these flowers are found include lavender, pink, red, and white.