Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim
Hibiscus syriacus 'Lil' Kim'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China and India
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous shrub with a bushy habit and dark green, lobed leaves. 'Lil' Kim' is a compact cultivar featuring large, showy white flowers with a prominent red eye, blooming throughout the summer. This cultivar is notable for its compact size and abundant, long-lasting blooms, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or container planting.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
- Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in spring.
- Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead wood.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained soil and provide full sun for best blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy pruning in late fall ❌
- Don’t plant in poorly drained soil ❌
- Neglect pest control when needed ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim questions
What zones can Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim grow in?
Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim 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 Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim bloom?
Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim need full sun?
Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Hibiscus to compare
Midnight Marvel Swamp Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Midnight Marvel'
Rose of Sharon Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus 'Azurri Blue Satin'
Pink Chiffon Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus 'Pink Chiffon'
Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Chiffon'
Confederate Rose
Hibiscus paramutabilis
White Chiffon Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus 'White Chiffon'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Rose of Sharon Lil' Kim with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
