Species

Hibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

34 other cultivars

shrub

Lil' Kim Red Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Minspot'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is a hardy, deciduous shrub that provides late-summer color with its large, tropical-looking flowers. It is adaptable to a wide range of conditions.

'Minspot', or Lil' Kim Red, is a dwarf variety, reaching only 3-4 feet tall and wide. It produces numerous reddish-pink flowers with a prominent red eye, offering a compact form for small spaces and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

This dwarf shrub provides a long season of vibrant, tropical-looking flowers from mid-summer to fall. Its compact size makes it a perfect 'thriller' in container arrangements or a colorful accent in small garden beds.

Ideal for urban gardens, patios, and balconies where space is at a premium. It can be used to create a low, flowering border or planted in groups for a mass of late-season color.

The large, open-faced flowers are a valuable late-season nectar source for pollinators, especially hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, helping to sustain them before migration or winter.

SpeciesHibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Medium-lived shrub

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth as in the pot.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Water regularly during the first season to establish a deep root system.
Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for the best flower production and densest habit. It leafs out late in spring, so be patient.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun.
Water deeply during hot, dry spells.
Prune in early spring to maintain size and shape.
Be patient in spring; it is one of the last shrubs to leaf out.

Don't

Do not plant in shady or poorly drained locations.
Avoid excessive high-nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leaves over flowers.
Don't worry about its late start in spring; it's normal.
Avoid overhead watering to help prevent leaf spot diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact flowering shrub for small spacesColorful container plant for patiosLow border for continuous summer color

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Perovskia atriplicifolia Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lil' Kim Red Rose of Sharon questions

What zones can Lil' Kim Red Rose of Sharon grow in?

Lil' Kim Red 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 Lil' Kim Red Rose of Sharon deer resistant?

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

When does Lil' Kim Red Rose of Sharon bloom?

Lil' Kim Red 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 Lil' Kim Red Rose of Sharon need full sun?

Lil' Kim Red Rose of Sharon does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Lil' Kim Red Rose of Sharon drought tolerant?

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