Few flowering bushes can rival the charm, resilience, and sheer flower power of Rose of Sharon, also known as Althea. Unlike Hardy Hibiscus, which flaunts dinner-plate-sized blooms only for a short summer stretch, or Tropical Hibiscus that thrives only in warm, frost-free climates, Rose of Sharon (also known as Althea) gives gardeners across much of the U.S. months of reliable, late-summer blooms.
With woody stems, glossy green leaves, and endless waves of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, lavender, pink, red, and white, Althea shrubs and trees provide a long-lasting show when many other plants are winding down!
Beloved for their drought-tolerant nature, easy care, and versatility, Rose of Sharon plants bring wildlife benefits as well! Their nectar-rich flowers are magnets for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, while their upright form makes them ideal for hedges, specimen plantings, or even flowering privacy screens. These beauties offer something for every landscape style!
- A Blossoming History & Fascinating Facts
- Landscaping With Althea
- Top 10 Rose of Sharon at Nature Hills
- Althea Care Made Simple
- A Rose By Any Other Name...
A Blossoming History & Fascinating Facts
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) belongs to the Mallow family and has been cherished in Asian gardens for centuries, where it's a symbol of perseverance and gentle beauty. In Korea, it's the national flower, called mugunghwa, representing immortality. Unlike its tropical cousins, this cold-hardy shrub thrives in zones 5-9, standing up to chilly winters with grace.
Historically, its flowers were even brewed into teas and used in folk remedies. Gardeners prize it today not only for cultural significance but for its outstanding performance as a low-maintenance flowering shrub.
Landscaping With Althea
Rose of Sharon truly shines as a multipurpose shrub. Here's how you can make the most of these summer stunners:
-
Flowering Privacy Screens: Plant several in a row for a living hedge. Taller varieties like Purple Pillar® or Blue Chiffon® create vertical interest and block views beautifully.
-
Specimen Showpieces: A single White Chiffon® or Dark Lavender Chiffon® can anchor a front yard bed or highlight an entryway with dazzling flowers.
-
Compact Accents: Smaller selections like Lil' Kim® Red fit neatly into urban gardens, patios, mixed perennial borders.
-
Formal or Cottage Gardens: Blushing Bride and Lucy bring classic pink charm to softer, romantic cottage garden designs, while Paraplu Violet® and Paraplu Rouge® dazzle with bold jewel tones.
-
Tree Forms for Elegance: A Lavender Chiffon® Rose of Sharon and its matching Tree Form adds height and drama, perfect as a centerpiece in a sunny border or as a patio accent in a decorative container garden.
- Pollinator Hotspots: Group several varieties together for a pollinator garden, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies all season long!
Mix them with companion perennials like Catmint, Russian Sage, or Ornamental Grasses for layers of texture and nonstop color. Pair them with flowering annuals like Zinnias or Lantana to keep the pollinator party going.
Top 10 Rose of Sharon at Nature Hills
-
Dark Lavender Chiffon® Rose of Sharon: Large, ruffled lavender blooms with rich centers.
-
Paraplu Violet® Rose of Sharon: Electric violet-purple flowers with a luminous glow.
-
Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon: Narrow and upright, perfect for tight spaces and privacy hedges.
-
Blushing Bride Rose of Sharon: Soft pink flowers with a romantic, delicate look.
-
Lavender Chiffon® Rose of Sharon Tree: A graceful tree form with nonstop lavender blooms.
-
Blue Chiffon® Rose of Sharon Shrub: Classic blue flowers with frilly centers, beloved by pollinators.
-
Lucy Rose of Sharon: Vibrant double pink blooms, lush and eye-catching.
-
White Chiffon® Rose of Sharon Shrub: Crisp white blossoms with semi-double petals for elegant charm.
-
Lil' Kim® Red Rose of Sharon: Compact grower with deep red blooms and tidy form.
- Paraplu Rouge® Rose of Sharon: Bold crimson petals with an almost tropical look.
Althea Care Made Simple
Rose of Sharon is delightfully easygoing. Plant in full sun for the best flowering, though it tolerates light shade. It thrives in well-drained soil, and once established, it's drought-tolerant. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage new growth, since flowers appear on new wood. Apply arborist mulch around the base to conserve moisture.
Water young plants well until established, and use the Finger Test watering method to avoid overwatering. Beyond that, just sit back and enjoy their summer-long flower power.
A Rose By Any Other Name...
Call it Rose of Sharon, call it Althea, but every gardener can agree it's a showstopper! With colors that glow, forms that fit every garden size, and blooms that roll out when you need them most, this plant earns its spot as a must-have flowering shrub.
Plant one or plant ten, and you'll be rewarded with a garden that sings all summer!
Happy Planting!
