We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Rose of Sharon?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Views: 8,420
Share

Rose of Sharon is a plant in the Hibiscus genus. This plant is native to Asia, specifically India and China, and it is widely cultivated in many regions of the world as an ornamental. As a general rule, Rose of Sharon thrives in USDA zones five through nine, making it among the hardier of the plants in this subtropical genus.

Although a plant known as the Rose of Sharon is mentioned in the Bible, the real identity of the Biblical plant is not known. Rose of Sharon is certainly a contender, but some translators have argued that the Biblical plant may have been a form of crocus, a lily, or even another plant in the Hibiscus genus. The confusion stems from an imperfect understanding of the Hebrew used in this section of the Bible, paired with numerous misprints and mistranslations over the centuries.

You may also hear this plant referred to as althea or Hibiscus syriacus. It has a naturally shrubby growth habit, developing woody stems, serrated leaves, and flat white, purple, pink, or even blue flowers. Many domesticated cultivars are variegated, with stunning color combinations and a rich color saturation which some people find quite striking. Garden stores in temperate and warm regions usually carry Rose of Sharon, often offering several cultivars for customers to choose from.

Rose of Sharon can grow to 10 feet (three meters) and sometimes even taller, and gardeners can prune and train it so that it turns into a tree with a single central trunk, rather than a shrubby bush. When Rose of Sharon is largely left alone, it tends to grow in a roughly pyramidal shape, and the branches can break, becoming unsightly.

This plant is deciduous, losing its leaves in the winter and growing them back in the spring. Rose of Sharon tends to leaf out and flower very late, leading some gardeners to think that their plant has died. A little bit of patience is usually rewarded, as the tree will leaf out eventually, sometimes waiting until summer to do so.

For best results in the garden, Rose of Sharon should be provided with fertile, well-drained soil and a very sunny spot in the garden. Mulching is not advised, as the roots are subject to rot, and Rose of Sharon especially likes hot summers. It is reasonably drought-tolerant, with fairly relaxed water requirements. Pruning for shaping can take place at any time.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By milagros — On Jul 15, 2009

It is a beautiful bush with light green leaves and large colorful flowers. I just got some small plants that I will plant in my garden, and hope for the best.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-a-rose-of-sharon.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.