The Rose-of-Sharon is an deciduous, upright, occasionally spreading shrub or small tree with multiple trunks. The branches grow upright and wlll not droop except when in flower. The leaves emerge late in the spring.

What is the difference between a rose of Sharon bush and tree?

The rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is actually classified by botanists as a shrub, but you can train them into a tree form by pruning them to one main trunk (leader).

Can you make a rose of Sharon bush into a tree?

Rose of Sharon can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide in most well-drained soils. You can train a rose of Sharon hibiscus bush to become a single-stem tree in the winter or early spring with a pruning technique referred to as "limbing up." The limbing-up process takes about three years to accomplish.

Is rose of Sharon a Hibiscus tree?

Let's start with Rose of Sharon, arguably the most popular Hibiscus species of them all (indicated by its other common name, Common Hibiscus). This plant's botanical name is Hibiscus syriacus. You may also know it as shrub Althea.

How fast does rose of Sharon tree grow?

This shrub grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.

Rose of Sharon "bushes to trees", 3 years later

Are rose of Sharon tree roots invasive?

However, they can grow up to 12 feet high and can spread out, so rose of Sharon should not be planted close to septic tanks or drainpipes. Though its red, pink, white or purple flowers can be vibrant and beautiful, rose of Sharon is considered to be an invasive plant.

Does rose of Sharon come back every year?

Rose of Sharons are best pruned when dormant because the blooms will grow on new wood. It's also one of the last trees to get its leaves in the spring, so every year I think I've killed mine, but they always come back (despite following an incorrect pruning schedule).

How big do rose of Sharon trees get?

Mature Size

The rose-of-sharon grows to a height of 8–12' and a spread of 6–10' at maturity.

How do you tell the difference between a rose of Sharon and a hibiscus?

Chinese hibiscus shrubs mature anywhere from 3 to 10 feet tall and equally as wide. Typically they look rounded or as upright ovals. Modern cultivars display variable growth habits, from sprawling mounds to open or dense ovals. Rose-of-Sharon plants become more erect but oval in comparison.

Does rose of Sharon lose its leaves in winter?

Rose of Sharon Growth

It's a deciduous plant that has simple, three-lobed green leaves covering its branches from early spring through fall. The rose of Sharon in fall loses its leaves, showing only bare branches and stems during winter.

How do you shape a rose of Sharon tree?

There may be one main stem or several stems. Carefully remove the weakest stems and all the branches, up to approximately half the height of the shrub. Use caution; rose of Sharon has thorns. Trim back the upper branches by no more than one-third to shape the new "tree." Monitor the tree over the summer and fall.

Where should you plant a rose of Sharon?

For spectacular flowers and easy care, plant your Rose of Sharon in a spot with good drainage and full sun to partial shade. In northern climates, six or more hours of direct daily sun promotes maximum blooms.

Should you deadhead rose of Sharon?

Removing Seedlings

Careful and complete deadheading is probably the best way to prevent rose of Sharon from self-seeding, but if you're not able to do this, you'll be faced with dealing with those volunteer seedlings.

Does rose of Sharon grow fast?

Arbor Day Foundation notes that Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) grows up to 24 inches each year until it reaches its mature height of 8 to 12 feet.

What time of year does a rose of Sharon bloom?

Rose of Sharon - The Ultimate Growing Guide from Proven Winners. For a tropical look, even in cold climates, add rose of Sharon to your yard. This hardy flowering shrub has showy flowers that bloom from midsummer into fall, when most other shrubs are finished for the season.

What is the lifespan of a rose of Sharon?

In mild winter climates, forsythia can survive for 20 to 30 years or longer. Rose of Sharon, also known as Althea, delights observers with white, pink, red, purple or blue flowers for a few weeks in late summer. A cold-hardy, drought-resistant shrub, Rose of Sharon can productively produce blooms for 20 to 30 years.

Does rose of Sharon grow wild?

Unless you act quickly, you will have a little forest of rose of Sharon plants growing in your garden. Because of this, the plants are considered rose of Sharon weeds in some states, even escaping cultivation and naturalizing in the wild throughout the southeast. In fact, four states report the species as invasive.

Is hardy hibiscus the same as rose of Sharon?

Shrub forms of hardy hibiscus, botanically known as Hibiscus syriacus, are commonly called rose of Sharon or althea. Like tropical hibiscus, they have woody stems and a bushy form.

Is there a dwarf rose of Sharon?

The dwarf rose of Sharon you've always wanted! Lil' Kim^® rose of Sharon is a very special plant - it's about half the size of a conventional rose of Sharon, and sports an elegant, refined habit. Each stem is packed with flower buds that open to reveal white flowers with a showy red eye.

Why is rose of Sharon invasive?

Distribution: This species is reported from states shaded on Plants Database map. It is reported invasive in KY, PA, TN, and VA. Ecological Impacts: It has escaped intended plantings to invade, crowd out and displace more desirable native plants.

What is the best time to plant rose of Sharon?

Plant rose of Sharon in spring or fall. The plants tend to leaf out a bit late in springtime, so don't be alarmed if yours gets off to a slow start. Space the plants 6 to 10 feet apart; read the tag or label for the exact spacing.

How do I winterize rose of Sharon?

Potted rose of sharon may need winter protection as well. Either heap mulch or straw over potted plants or wrap with bubble wrap. It's most important that the plant crown be protected in colder climates. Protecting rose of sharon in winter when it's planted in areas of high wind may also be necessary.

How do you keep rose of Sharon blooming?

Too little water will stop flowers as well. If your rose of sharon is not blooming and you give it the right amount of water and sun, it may be that your shrub isn't getting enough phosphorus. This is easily fixable with a high-phosphorus, low-nitrogen fertilizer every couple of weeks. Bone meal helps too.

Can Rose of Sharon be planted close to House?

In general, a tall shrub like a Rose of Sharon is best planted in a shrub border or in a mass planting at least 4 to 5 feet away from the house foundation, where the plant can broaden its branches unhampered. A dwarf cultivar can be planted 2 to 4 feet from the foundation.