Species

Hibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

34 other cultivars

shrub

Lil' Kim Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Antong Two'

The Story

Plant Bio

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

Lil' Kim ('Antong Two') is a dwarf variety, reaching only 3-4 feet tall. It produces a profusion of delicate white flowers with a showy red eye for an extended period.

Uses & Benefits:

Its compact size and prolific, long-lasting summer blooms make it a perfect focal point for small gardens, containers, or mixed perennial borders. The white flowers with a dramatic red eye add a touch of tropical elegance.

This dwarf shrub fits into tight spaces where larger Rose of Sharon varieties would not. It can be used as a low, flowering hedge or to add vertical interest to foundation plantings without blocking windows.

The flowers are a valuable late-season nectar source for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems when many other plants have finished blooming.

SpeciesHibiscus syriacusRose of Sharon

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least six hours of direct sun
Amend heavy clay or poor soil with compost before planting
Dig a hole twice the width of the container
Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with soil
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture

Pro Tip

Bloom production is best on new wood, so a hard prune in late winter or early spring will maximize the floral display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage blooms
Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance, though not required for rebloom
Mulch around the base to protect roots and retain water

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soil
Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote leaves over flowers
Don't prune in late summer or fall, as this removes flower buds
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely

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

Compact specimen for small gardensProlific bloomer for mixed bordersExcellent container or patio plant

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Perovskia atriplicifolia Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Panicum virgatum Hydrangea paniculata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lil' Kim Rose of Sharon questions

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

Lil' Kim 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 Rose of Sharon deer resistant?

Yes — Lil' Kim 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 Rose of Sharon bloom?

Lil' Kim 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 Rose of Sharon need full sun?

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

Is Lil' Kim Rose of Sharon drought tolerant?

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