When Does This Tree Bloom?

You can expect beautill purple blooms on this tree through the summer and into the fall season.

What Are Good Companion Plants For The Double Purple Rose Of Sharon?

Lilac, forsythia, and hydrangeas are good companion plants for this flowering tree in any mixed bed or garden.

Why Is My Rose Of Sharon Not Blooming?

There are a few reasons why this tree isn't flowering properly including having the right amount of sun exposure, drought, and rot from overwatering. Adjust your watering schedule and be sure to not overfeed this tree.

When planting your Purple Althea Hibiscus tree be sure you have the right location and conditions for your new plants to thrive. Spring and fall are ideal times to plant this shrub, but as long as you avoid extreme temperatures, especially in mild climates, you can plant throughout the year.

The Purple Althea requires full sun and is adaptable to a variety of well-drained soils. Keep the soil moist, but not saturated, especially in summer and in the first few months after planting. If you encounter flower drop or only a small crop of flowers it is more likely to be a lack of water than it is a lack of fertilizer. Mulching 2-3 inches deep is recommended for hibiscus. Mulching will cut back on watering needs, prevent weeds, and protect your plant in extreme temperatures. Feed your hibiscus tree our balanced slow release fertilizer. Fertilize once in spring and again in late summer for best results. If you have a nutrient rich soil, skip the summer dose of fertilizer. Avoid over-feeding your Hibiscus. This can cause blooms to never open and even encourage aphids, one of the few pests of Hibiscus. You don’t need to prune this Rose of Sharon tree, but if you need to remove dead or crowded branches or control size prune in late winter or early spring.

The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering, and fertilization are the keys to your success. Althea trees rarely experience severe issues with pests or disease. 

If you do encounter any issues try the following methods: Treat aphids and whitefly naturally with neem oil or insecticidal soap. For severe infections you can use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. Fungal infection can be prevented by making sure the planting site has good drainage and by avoiding overhead watering. Fungal infections can be treated with a fungicide. Generally, treating many fungal issues after infection isn't very effective. However, if can prevent the infection from occurring on new growth or worsening on current growth. If you have problems in a prior year, treat preventatively in early spring for best results.