Hibiscus syriacus 'Minspot'
shrub

Fiji 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.

First Editions Fiji ('Minspot') is an upright rose of Sharon with white flowers brushed with pink and a dark red center; petals age to pale pink. Mature size is 5–8 feet tall and 4–7 feet wide.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesFiji supplies summer color with white flowers brushed with pink and a dark red center; petals age to pale pink.
Practical UsesAn upright flowering shrub for summer screens, informal hedges and the back of mixed borders.
Ecological BenefitsThe 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

96"

Width

84"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Medium-lived shrub

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

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

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun and prune, if needed, in early spring. Allow room for a 5–8 foot tall, 4–7 foot wide shrub.

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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Flowering hedge or privacy screenSummer-flowering specimen for mixed shrub borders

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fiji Rose of Sharon questions

What zones can Fiji Rose of Sharon grow in?

Fiji Rose of Sharon is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fiji Rose of Sharon deer resistant?

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

When does Fiji Rose of Sharon bloom?

Fiji 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 Fiji Rose of Sharon need full sun?

Fiji Rose of Sharon does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Fiji Rose of Sharon drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Fiji 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.