Shrub
Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea
Hibiscus syriacus
Features
Large flowers in late summer (flowers may be single or double; white, red, purple or pink).
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of alkaline soils.
Cultivars
Numerous cultivars including:
- 'Aphrodite' - Dark pink flowers with a dark red center.
- 'Ardens' - Double rosy purple flowers.
- 'Blue Bird' - Sky blue flowers with a small red center.
- 'Diana' - Pure white flowers.
- 'Jeanne d'Arc' - Double white flowers.
- 'Lucy' - Double red flowers.
- 'Red Heart' - White flowers with red center.
Mature Height
9-12 Feet
Size
Medium
Mature Width
6-10 Feet
Mature Form
Upright to slightly spreading
Native To:
China, India
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Border
Screen
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Leaf spots, cankers, blight, aphids, Japanese beetles, and whitefly are possible.
Additional Notes
Annual pruning in early spring will improve flowering.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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