Species

Hibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

34 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Lady Stanley'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is a vigorous, upright, vase-shaped deciduous shrub valued for its large, showy, tropical-looking flowers that provide a burst of color in late summer.

'Lady Stanley' is a classic, award-winning cultivar featuring beautiful, double, carnation-like white flowers, each with a distinctive reddish-purple blotch at the center, creating a striking bicolored effect.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides spectacular, long-lasting blooms in late summer when few other shrubs are flowering. Its upright, vase shape makes it an excellent specimen, hedge, or foundation plant.

Can be planted as a dense deciduous screen or hedge for summer privacy. Its tolerance of urban conditions makes it a reliable choice for city gardens.

The large, nectar-rich flowers are a valuable late-season food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

SpeciesHibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

China, India

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun for best flowering.
Plant in average, well-drained soil; it is highly adaptable.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Set the plant in the hole at the same depth it was growing.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Prune back hard in late winter to 2-3 buds per branch to encourage vigorous growth and larger, more numerous flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells, especially the first year.
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain size and shape.
Deadhead spent flowers if you wish to prevent self-seeding.
Tolerate some self-seeding or remove seedlings in spring.

Don't

Avoid planting in poorly drained, waterlogged soils.
Do not fertilize late in the season, as it can inhibit flowering.
Don't panic if it's late to leaf out in spring; this is normal.
Avoid heavy shade, which will result in sparse flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Late summer flowering hedgeElegant specimen shrubBackbone of a mixed border

Companion Plants

Buddleja davidii Hydrangea paniculata Perovskia atriplicifolia Echinacea purpurea Panicum virgatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon questions

What zones can Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon grow in?

Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon deer resistant?

Yes — Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon bloom?

Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon need full sun?

Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lady Stanley Rose of Sharon handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.