Hibiscus syriacus (Rose Of Sharon, Rose Of Althea)

Hibiscus syriacus (Rose Of Sharon, Rose Of Althea) is a widely cultivated ornamental shrub in the genus Hibiscus.  The flowers come in several colors, including white, pink, purple, blue, red or bicolors, with a different colored throat, depending upon cultivar. Continuous blooms often occur from July through September. The flowers can reach 2-4 inches in diameter. The flowers are hermaphrodite, they have both male and female organs.

The trunk is white-gray and relatively smooth, branching very near to the ground unless climbed up into tree form. Since plants bloom on new growth, shaping or pruning can be done at any time; prune in late Winter or early Spring in northern climates.

Hardiness zones 5-9. When planted in colder areas, they will need protection for the first few Winters. It prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in a position in full sun. Plants grow best with their roots in cool moist soil and their tops in a hot sunny position. The tree is very adaptable to various soil pHs, soil compaction, drought, heavy pruning, and pollution. It will succeed in any soil of good or moderate quality.