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Rose of Sharon, also known as a common or hardy hibiscus, hibiscus syriacus, and althea, is a flowering shrub. This deciduous bush is upright in form and has showy flowers that bloom heavily throughout summer and even into fall. Althea shrubs range in size from about 6 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide at maturity.
More InformationSpring and fall are the best times to plant althea bushes, but depending on your climate these may not be the only options. Provide plenty of water when planting in summer. Warmer climates, like the southern US, can safely plant altheas during dormancy in winter.
Plant althea bushes in full sun and moist, well-drained soil for the best growth and flowering. Apply mulch around the plant a few inches beyond the rootzone at a depth of about 2 inches to reduce watering needs. Feed your hardy hibiscus in spring with a balanced slow release fertilizer if needed.
Late winter or early spring is the best time to prune these flowering plants. Fall or winter after leaf drop is also a good time for pruning. If you notice dead, diseased, broken, or crossed branches prune these right away.
Start by pruning off any branches that are crossed or growing in the wrong direction. Next prune back all suckers coming from the roots or the ground. New upright growth can be trimmed back to encourage your plant to fill in more from side to side. If your bush is old, it may benefit from trimming back about 1/3rd of the plant in height and removing some older branches to the branch collar to increase air circulation and sun penetration.
This flowering shrub can tolerate some shade and even prefers some afternoon shade in warmer regions like Florida. Full sun is ideal for the most prolific blooming, but this hardy hibiscus will flower even in part shade.
Absolutely, Altheas tolerate clay soil, black walnut, pollution, salt, and drought. They are cold hardy to zone 5 and heat tolerant to zone 9a. They are also deer resistant.
Browse our Flowering Shrubs Collection for more colorful plant options.
