Species

Hibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

34 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Diana Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is a vigorous, upright, vase-shaped deciduous shrub that provides excellent late summer color with its large, trumpet-shaped flowers.

'Diana' is a prized cultivar featuring large, pure white, saucer-shaped flowers that remain open at night. It is a triploid, resulting in a long bloom period and very few, if any, viable seeds.

Uses & Benefits:

'Diana' provides a stunning display of pure white, elegant flowers in late summer when many other shrubs have finished blooming. Its upright, vase-shaped habit makes it an excellent structural plant in the landscape.

It can be grown as a large specimen shrub or planted in a row to form a dense, deciduous hedge for summer privacy. Its tolerance of urban conditions and drought (once established) makes it a resilient choice.

The large flowers are a valuable late-season nectar source for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping to support them before fall migration and winter hibernation.

SpeciesHibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

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

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

China, India (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend with compost if needed.
Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill the hole and water deeply to settle the soil.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Prune back hard in early spring, cutting stems back to 2-3 buds, to encourage larger flowers and a more compact shape.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best flower production.
Water regularly during dry spells, especially the first year.
Prune in early spring to maintain size and shape.
Deadhead spent flowers if you want to improve appearance, though not necessary.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soil.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can promote leaves over flowers.
Don't prune in late summer or fall, as this can remove flower buds.
Avoid overhead watering to help prevent fungal 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

Elegant specimen for late summer bloomEffective flowering hedge or privacy screenBackbone of a mixed perennial border

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Perovskia atriplicifolia Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Panicum virgatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Diana Rose of Sharon questions

What zones can Diana Rose of Sharon grow in?

Diana 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 Diana Rose of Sharon deer resistant?

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

When does Diana Rose of Sharon bloom?

Diana 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 Diana Rose of Sharon need full sun?

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

Is Diana Rose of Sharon drought tolerant?

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