rose of Sharon

Water the Rose of Sharon regularly, especially during its first 2 summers in your garden, to promote healthy growth. During the growing season (typically mid-April to October in most areas), water deeply once a week. If rain is absent for more than 2 weeks, water twice a week. In cooler climates, frequency of watering will depend on location and weather conditions. As cooler temperatures approach, reduce the amount of watering to prevent root rot. In climates with hot, dry summers, water deeply 2 to 3 times per week to keep the soil moist. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, water the Rose of Sharon once a month.

Rose of Sharon is an easy-to-care-for plant that can tolerate a variety of sunlight. The plant will generally thrive with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight everyday, especially during the warmer months. If possible, place the roses of Sharon in full sun or dappled shade. During the heat of the summer, some afternoon shade may be beneficial for the plant. Direct sunlight for many hours in a day can prove to be too harsh for this plant species, particularly if it is located in an area with high temperatures.

Pruning of Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite') should be done twice per year, typically in spring and again in late fall. Spring pruning should be done after the flowers have faded, but before the plant goes into full leaf growth for the season. This will help promote newly emerging fresh growth and flowering of the rose of Sharon the next blooming season. The pruning should remove dead, weak and crossing branches, as well as branches that detract from the desired shape of the shrub. Late fall pruning should be done following leaf drop, and is meant to help shape and maintain the shrub in the desired form. Pruning should never remove more than 1/3 of the total plant at a given time. When pruning, make sure to use sharp shear cuts; never rip or tear branches during pruning.