Rose of Sharon - Grow Your Own Hardy Hibiscus -
For a tropical look, even in cold climates, add Rose of Sharon to your yard. This hardy flowering shrub has showy flowers that bloom from midsummer into fall, when most other shrubs are finished for the season.
Rose of Sharon is easy to grow, even for beginning gardeners. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, Rose of Sharon bushes are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including poor soil, heat, humidity, drought and air pollution.
Plants have a graceful vase-shaped habit, with small attractive green leaves that are toothed, with no significant fall color.
Hibiscus syriacus is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is native to south-central and southeast China, but widely introduced elsewhere, including much of Asia. Common names include the rose of Sharon,(especially in North America), Syrian ketmia, shrub althea, and rose mallow (in the United Kingdom). It is the national flower of South Korea and is mentioned in the South Korean national anthem.
Rose of Sharon from Seed
Growing rose of sharon seeds is easy. Rose of sharon grows best in humus rich, fertile soil. Sow rose of sharon seeds OE-oe (0.5-1.25 cm.) deep. Cover loosely with appropriate soil. Plant seed outdoors in autumn or indoors 12 weeks before last frost date for your area. If sowing indoors it will need a few weeks in the refrigerator.
Rose of sharon seedlings need full sun and deep waterings to develop into tough plants..