Species

Hibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

34 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Minerva Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is a vigorous, upright, vase-shaped, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that produces large, showy, hollyhock-like flowers in summer.

'Minerva' is a sterile triploid cultivar known for its large, lavender-pink flowers with a prominent dark red eye. It produces very few to no seeds, preventing unwanted self-seeding.

Uses & Benefits:

'Minerva' provides a spectacular, long-lasting floral display from mid-summer to fall when many other shrubs have finished blooming. Its large lavender flowers add a cool, tropical feel to temperate gardens.

Its upright, vase-shaped habit makes it an excellent choice for creating a deciduous privacy screen or hedge. It can also be trained into a small, single-trunk tree for use as a focal point.

The large, open-faced flowers are a magnet for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a crucial late-season source of nectar.

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

Tolerates a wide range

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub, 20-30 years

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 sun.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Amend heavy clay or poor soil with compost.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil.
Water deeply after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Prune back hard in late winter, 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 best flowering.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain size and shape.
Deadhead spent flowers if desired, though 'Minerva' is nearly seedless.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soil.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can promote leaves over flowers.
Don't prune in late summer or fall.
Avoid overhead watering to help prevent fungal leaf spots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant summer-blooming hedgeStunning single specimen plantColorful back-of-the-border anchor

Companion Plants

Buddleja davidii Echinacea purpurea Perovskia atriplicifolia Hydrangea paniculata Rudbeckia fulgida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Minerva Rose of Sharon questions

What zones can Minerva Rose of Sharon grow in?

Minerva 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 Minerva Rose of Sharon deer resistant?

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

When does Minerva Rose of Sharon bloom?

Minerva 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 Minerva Rose of Sharon need full sun?

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

Is Minerva Rose of Sharon drought tolerant?

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