Care of the shrub Hibiscus syriacus or Rose of Sharon |
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The genus Hibiscus, family Malvaceae, comprises 150 species of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants distributed throughout the tropical and temperate regions of the planet. Some species are: Hibiscus syriacus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Hibiscus mutabilis, Hibiscus sabdariffa. Common names: Rose of Sharon, Althaea, Syrian ketmia, Shrub Althea, Hardy Hibiscus, Rose mallow and Korean rose. This species is native to China and India. They are deciduous shrubs of open bearing and highly branched that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The leaves are trilobed, ovoid rhomboid in shape and deep green in color. The attractive flowers measure up to 10 cm (3.93") in diameter, can be single or double and of various colors. They bloom in summer and fall. They are used to form bushy groups, as isolated specimens, in public streets and parks and in large pots. They resist pollution from cities. Hibiscus syriacus grows in full sun and light shade exposures. Resists frost well. They prefer a slightly clay soil that contains abundant humus and compost or manure. Water frequently, especially in summer, so that the substrate never dries out completely. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer every 15 days from mid-spring to mid-autumn. In late winter Fertilize with compost or manure. Prune in late winter to keep it compact. They do not usually have serious pest and disease problems. They are propagated by cuttings in autumn (protected from the cold in winter) and from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the shrub Hibiscus syriacus or Rose of Sharon |
 Hibiscus syriacus  Hibiscus syriacus  Hibiscus syriacus  Hibiscus syriacus  Hibiscus syriacus  Hibiscus syriacus |