Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Malvaceae family, native to China and India. It grows 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 1.8 m (5.9 ft) apart.
Plan Rose of Sharon in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Rose of Sharon at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.8 m (5.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flowers, young leaves |
| Native to | China and India |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Rose of Sharon toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: flowers, leaves
The ASPCA lists it as toxic to pets, with mild vomiting and drooling; flowers are used as food in Korea.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Rose of Sharon
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Rose of Sharon
- How far apart should I plant Rose of Sharon?
- About 1.8 m (5.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Rose of Sharon need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rose of Sharon need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Rose of Sharon?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Rose of Sharon flower?
- From about July for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Rose of Sharon poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to pets, with mild vomiting and drooling; flowers are used as food in Korea.
- What grows well with Rose of Sharon?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rose of Sharon. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Leafs out late in spring and flowers on new wood in late summer; self-seeds freely in warm climates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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