Rose of Sharon (Mixed)

Hibiscus syriacus 'Mixed Colors'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in zones 5-9, thrives in heat and cold with temperatures down to -20°F
Produces large, hibiscus-like flowers from late summer through fall in colors ranging from white to pink, purple, blue, and red
Fast-growing shrub adds 1-2 feet per year and requires minimal maintenance once established
Deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds when few other shrubs are blooming

$80⁰⁹

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Plant Size

#3 Container | 2-3 ft

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Choose a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flowering display. Plants grown in partial shade will still bloom but may produce fewer flowers and have a more open habit.

Soil: Rose of Sharon adapts to almost any well-drained soil and isn't particular about pH. Heavy clay works fine as long as water doesn't puddle. Sandy or average garden soil is ideal. Avoid locations where water stands after rain or where soil stays soggy.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply once or twice per week during the first growing season to help roots establish. Apply about an inch of water weekly if rainfall doesn't provide it. Once mature, typically after the second growing season, Rose of Sharon becomes quite drought-tolerant and usually needs supplemental water only during extended dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as constantly soggy soil can lead to root problems and yellowing leaves.

Pruning Tips

Rose of Sharon naturally forms an attractive vase-shaped shrub and needs little pruning. If you want to maintain a specific size or shape, prune in late winter or early spring just before new growth emerges. The plant blooms on new wood, so early spring pruning won't sacrifice flowers. You can remove up to one-third of the plant's height to encourage bushier growth with more blooms. To prevent self-seeding, deadhead spent flowers before seed pods fully develop.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer in late winter or early spring following package directions. A 10-10-10 or similar ratio works well. One application per year is typically sufficient for established plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, which encourages excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers and can cause leaf drop. If your soil is reasonably fertile, you can skip fertilizer altogether and simply work a layer of compost around the base each spring.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12	Week of February 23rd

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Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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When most flowering shrubs have called it quits for the season, Rose of Sharon keeps the show going. This easy-care deciduous shrub, known botanically as Hibiscus syriacus, delivers tropical-looking blooms from late summer straight through fall when your garden needs color most. Sometimes called Shrub Althea or Hardy Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon brings the exotic appeal of its tropical cousins with none of the fussiness, thriving in both steamy southern summers and cold northern winters.

A Rainbow of Late Season Color

Our mixed collection showcases the incredible color range of Rose of Sharon in a single planting. Each 2 to 3 inch flower features five delicate petals arranged around a prominent central column of stamens, creating the classic hibiscus silhouette. Colors span the spectrum from pure white and soft pink to vibrant purple, deep red, and true blue, often with contrasting throats in burgundy or wine shades. Some flowers arrive in single forms with clean, simple lines that butterflies and hummingbirds prefer, while others show off semi-double or fully double blooms with layers of ruffled petals. Individual flowers last just a day, but the shrub produces them in such abundance that you'll never notice, with fresh blooms opening continuously for months.

Garden Performance Through the Seasons

Rose of Sharon enters spring fashionably late. Don't panic when other shrubs leaf out and yours still looks dormant. This habit actually protects it from late frosts. Once warm weather arrives, the plant puts on rapid growth, adding 1 to 2 feet per year until it reaches its mature height of 8 to 12 feet with a 6 to 10 foot spread. The medium green leaves create a dense backdrop by midsummer, just in time to showcase the first flowers. The upright, vase-shaped form works beautifully as a specimen plant, privacy screen, or flowering hedge. In fall, leaves drop cleanly to reveal the sculptural branching pattern that provides subtle winter interest.

Low Maintenance, High Impact

This is a shrub for busy gardeners. Rose of Sharon tolerates heat, humidity, drought, poor soil, and even urban air pollution without complaint. Deer and rabbits leave it alone. Once established, it rarely needs watering except during severe drought. It's not particular about soil pH or fertility and actually performs better in average garden soil than in heavily enriched beds. The biggest maintenance task is managing self-seeding if your plants produce viable seeds. Modern low-seed varieties are available, but you can also simply deadhead spent blooms or pull up unwanted seedlings in spring.

Attracting Wildlife When It Matters Most

Late summer and fall present a challenging time for pollinators as many nectar sources dwindle. Rose of Sharon fills this gap beautifully. Butterflies, including swallowtails and monarchs, work the flowers throughout the day. Hummingbirds make regular visits, especially to single-flowered forms where nectar is easier to access. Native bees appreciate the pollen. This late-season buffet makes Rose of Sharon an essential part of any pollinator garden.

Versatile Landscape Uses

The upright habit and reliable bloom season make Rose of Sharon incredibly useful in the landscape. Plant a row spaced 6 to 8 feet apart for a flowering hedge that doesn't require constant shearing. Use it as a tall backdrop in mixed borders where its late flowers complement fall-blooming perennials like asters and sedums. Single specimens make dramatic focal points near patios or in foundation plantings where the summer-to-fall bloom extends your enjoyment of outdoor spaces. The tolerance for urban conditions makes it an excellent choice for city gardens where other flowering shrubs struggle.

Rose of Sharon brings color, easy care, and pollinator value to gardens across a wide climate range. This mixed collection gives you the excitement of discovering which colors you'll get, creating a cottage garden feel that's both relaxed and abundant. Plant it where you need late-season flowers and minimal fuss, and this reliable performer will reward you for decades.

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take Rose of Sharon to reach full size?

Rose of Sharon grows 1 to 2 feet per year and typically reaches its mature height of 8 to 12 feet within 4 to 6 years under good growing conditions. Growth rate depends on sunlight, water, and soil quality during the establishment period.

Why is my Rose of Sharon slow to leaf out in spring?

Rose of Sharon naturally leafs out later than most shrubs, often not showing growth until late May or early June. This late emergence protects it from frost damage. Be patient and don't assume the plant is dead if it looks dormant while everything else greens up.

Will Rose of Sharon spread and take over my garden?

Some Rose of Sharon varieties produce abundant seeds that germinate readily, which has given the plant an invasive reputation in certain areas. You can prevent spreading by deadheading spent flowers before seed pods mature or by choosing modern low-seed varieties. Seedlings that do appear are easy to pull when small.

Can I grow Rose of Sharon as a tree instead of a shrub?

Yes, you can train Rose of Sharon into a small tree form by selecting one main trunk and removing lower branches as the plant grows. Prune competing stems and suckers at ground level. This tree form works well as a specimen plant or for planting in areas where you want to walk or plant underneath.

Do Rose of Sharon flowers make good cut flowers?

Individual Rose of Sharon flowers are short-lived, lasting only a day after cutting, so they're not ideal for traditional cut flower arrangements. However, the abundance of blooms on the shrub means you'll always have fresh flowers to float in bowls or use for same-day decorating.

Rose of Sharon (Mixed)