Rose of Sharon

The Rose of Sharon isn't actually a true rose. Rather, it is a flowering shrub plant. It can be a great addition to your garden but read below for some key facts of how to manage it. It can be tricky and should be planted with a well thought out area.

The name Rose of Sharon actually comes from the Bible, from the Book of Solomon, where it was used to refer to Jesus. Its not clear if the current breed of this plant was the same flower type referenced in Biblical times. It still makes for an interesting concept!

This is a great plant for a garden border. It also does great for attracting birds, especially hummingbirds. Bees also seem to like it though, so be careful! As you can see above, it can get quite tall, up to 10 feet with a width between 5 to 6 feet. The blooms can be different colors depending on the breed. Purple, pink, blue and other colors are common. The plant above has white. Different breeds will often have different color blooms so check and see before you buy.

This plant is popular as a late bloomer. It isn't uncommon to see it relatively dormant until even the late summer.

Rose of Sharon bushes do best in full-sunlight. Less than that could make your plant susceptible to fungus. It is recommended that they have well-drained soil, but they are somewhat drought resistant. This makes them a popular plant in the Southwestern United States. In fact, this bush actually does better in the heat, with fuller blooms. Its rated for zones 5 to 9.

Some gardeners have reported that this plant can be somewhat invasive. This could be due to the seeding nature of this bush. Many gardeners, used to basic roses, may just not be familiar with how to handle this. The seeds are stored in the capsules, and these need to be removed before they spread. Many gardeners seem to have better results with the White Chiffon and Diana breeds, at least here in the Midwest. Or better yet, ask for an infertile breed when you buy so you don't have this issue.

What's also nice about this bush is the fact that is is relatively low-maintenance, at least where pruning is concerned.