Description

General aspect and origins - Hibiscus syriacus is also known as Althea syriacus, althea shrub, or rose of Sharon. It is a Hibiscus species which has a decidious foliage that can be evergreen in warm climates. This shrub can reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. This plant is valued for its flowers that mainly bloom in summer. Depending on the varieties, flowers are simple or double, and of different colors.
Leaves - The rose of Sharon has a decidious foliage. Leaves appear in mid to late spring.
Flowers - Depending on the varieties, the rose of Sharon has 4 in (10 cm) flowers of various colors, that can be white, pink, mauve, red or blue. They can be simple or double.
Fruits - The fruit is a dehiscent capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.

Culture

This shrub is frost-hardy to about -10°F (about -20°C to -25°C).
Soil - the rose of Sharon requires a fairly fertile, well-drained ground.

Propagation

The rose of sharon is propagated by seeds, by cuttings or layering.