Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus 'Lucy'
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 to pets and humans
The Story
Plant Bio
Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is a hardy, upright, deciduous shrub that provides a welcome burst of color in the late summer garden. It produces large, tropical-looking flowers when many other shrubs have finished blooming. 'Lucy' is a sterile or near-sterile cultivar, which means it produces few to no messy seed pods and will not self-sow aggressively. It is prized for its large, fully double, reddish-pink to magenta flowers that bloom for an extended period.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight.
- Choose a spot with well-drained soil; it's very adaptable.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, with the crown at soil level.
- Backfill with soil and water deeply.
- Mulch to retain moisture, especially in the first year.
Pro Tip
Prune back hard in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth and more abundant, larger flowers, as it blooms on new wood.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for best flowering.
- Water during prolonged dry spells.
- Prune in early spring to maintain a desirable size and shape.
- Deadhead if desired, though 'Lucy' is sterile and doesn't need it.
Don't
- Do not plant in shady or waterlogged locations.
- Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
- Don't prune after spring growth begins, as you'll remove flower buds.
- Don't worry if it's late to leaf out in spring; this is normal.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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 questions
What zones can Rose of Sharon grow in?
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 Rose of Sharon deer resistant?
Yes — Rose of Sharon is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Rose of Sharon bloom?
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 Rose of Sharon need full sun?
Rose of Sharon does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Rose of Sharon drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Rose of Sharon 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
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Grow Rose of Sharon 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.
