rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon should be watered deeply twice a week during its growing season. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the leaves to yellow and bloom production to suffer. Water in the morning, allowing the sun to dry the leaves and the plant to take advantage of the cool night air for root growth. In dry climates or during time of drought, water deeply once per week. In hot, dry climates, it may require more frequent watering. In the winter, water when the top 2 inches of soil become dry. Rose of Sharon does not require heavy watering and standing water should be avoided to prevent root rot.

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva') enjoys full sun for most of the day, from around 8am until at least 6pm. If possible, the rose should have 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growing conditions. The rose should also receive partial shade during the hottest part of the day if possible. Care should be taken to avoid exposure to strong midday or late afternoon sun in hot climates. In milder climates, the rose can thrive on full sun exposure all day. It should be noted that some varieties of Hibiscus are not drought tolerant and may need some supplemental watering during the summer months if rainfall is scant or non-existent.

For Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva'), light pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. If needed, pruning can be done again in late summer or early fall, although it is generally not necessary. When pruning, always remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood. If needed, portions of stems can be thinned to encourage the growth of new stems. Any overly long branches can also be trimmed back to maintain the desired shape of the plant. Pruning should never be done excessively, as this can lead to a reduction in blooms the following season.