Species

Hibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

34 other cultivars

shrub

America Irene Scott Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'America Irene Scott'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is a hardy, upright, deciduous shrub valued for its large, tropical-looking flowers that provide color in late summer when few other shrubs are blooming.

'America Irene Scott', marketed as Sugar Tip, is exceptional for its beautiful variegated foliage of blue-green with creamy-white edges. It produces delicate, double light-pink flowers and is sterile, so it won't self-seed in the garden.

Uses & Benefits:

Sugar Tip offers exceptional multi-season interest. Its bright variegated foliage provides color and texture from spring until fall, long before the beautiful pink double flowers appear in late summer.

Its upright, vase-shaped habit makes it a great choice for creating a formal hedge or a narrow screen. Being sterile, it doesn't produce unwanted seedlings, making it a low-maintenance and well-behaved garden plant.

The large, nectar-rich flowers are a valuable food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and especially hummingbirds during the late summer months.

SpeciesHibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

China and India

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least 6 hours of sun and well-drained soil
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the plant's container
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground
Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil around the roots
Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for the best foliage color and most prolific blooming; variegation may be less pronounced in shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially during hot, dry periods.
Prune in early spring to shape the plant and promote larger flowers.
Plant in full sun for the best performance.

Don't

Do not plant in soggy or poorly drained locations.
Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall.
Do not worry if it is late to leaf out in spring; this is normal for the species.

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

Eye-catching specimen plant with variegated foliageColorful informal hedge or privacy screenBright accent in a mixed shrub border

Companion Plants

Hydrangea paniculata Perovskia atriplicifolia Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Echinacea purpurea Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

America Irene Scott Rose of Sharon questions

What zones can America Irene Scott Rose of Sharon grow in?

America Irene Scott 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 America Irene Scott Rose of Sharon deer resistant?

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

When does America Irene Scott Rose of Sharon bloom?

America Irene Scott 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 America Irene Scott Rose of Sharon need full sun?

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

Is America Irene Scott Rose of Sharon drought tolerant?

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