But it also can grow in partial shade.

However, too much shade can minimize flowering and contribute to diseases, such as fungal issues.

Soil

Rose of Sharon prefers a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutralsoil pH.

closeup of rose of sharon

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Water

Rose of Sharon grows best in moist soil, but mature shrubs can tolerate some drought.

It won’t thrive extremes: very dry or very wet conditions.

They also can handle high humidity if they have good air circulation.

rose of sharon plant close up

Pixabay

Otherwise, humid conditions can promote fungal growth.

Use a slow-release fertilizer in the late winter or early spring, following label instructions.

Cut back stem tips to encourage branching and flowering.

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Lavender Chiffon’ in bloom

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Lavender Chiffon'49pauly/ Getty Images

Remove damaged or diseased branches as they arise.

Deadheadself-seeding rose of Sharonflowers before they set seed.

The best time to take cuttings is in midsummer.

Pink/purple petals of hibiscus syriacus

Barry Winiker / Getty Images

Overwintering

Rose of Sharon doesn’t typically need any special winter care in its hardiness zones.

Ideally, it should be situated in a spot that’s protected from strong, chilling, drying winds.

Common Pests

The chief pest problem for this shrub is theJapanese beetle.

rose of sharon bush

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Japanese beetles are somewhat easier to control than many other insect pests because their large size makes them noticeable.

That means you’ll likely spot them before they’ve done a lot of damage to your plant.

The insect breathes through its skin, so a coating of soap over its body effectively suffocates it.

Flowersattract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

Bloom Months

Rose of Sharon typically blooms from spring through fall.

Prune in late winter to ensure it blooms fully during warmer months.

How Long Does Rose of Sharon Bloom?

Flowers are short lived, lasting one day to three days.

Full sun encourages frequent blooming.

What Do Rose of Sharon Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Flowers are a tropical, hibiscus blossom featuring five papery petals with prominent stamens.

They can be single or double with many varieties displaying a contrasting throat.

Fragrance is a light, floral perfume.

This prevents the shrub from spreading, particularly in areas where it’s considered invasive.

Not Blooming

Several issues can result in a shrub thatisn’t blooming wellor at all.

It’s possible you might have pruned too late in the spring and removed flower buds by accident.

Furthermore, soil that’s deficient in phosphorus can result in low flower production and smaller blooms.

Do a soil test to see whether you are dealing with any deficiencies, and apply fertilizer as needed.

Common Problems With Rose of Sharon

This shrub is generally robust in its preferred environment.

However, inadequate conditions can cause some common issues to arise.

Leaves Turning Yellow

Overwatering is often the culprit when your shrub’s leaves start to turn yellow.

ensure your shrub is planted in soil with sharp drainage and that it’s never in waterlogged conditions.

It might be necessary to move your shrub if it’s located in a poorly drained spot.

Wilted Leaves

Wilted leaves could be triggered by stress due to repotting rose of Sharon.

This may impact the plant for several years and pruning dead leaves can help alleviate the issue.

Yes, rose of Sharon andhardy hibiscusare the same plant.

Its spread can be mitigated by deadheading blooms before they have an opportunity to seed.

This shrub can tolerate a variety of growing conditions and doesn’t need much maintenance.

So it’s best to bring your plant outdoors during the warmer months.