Rose of Sharon

Native to parts of East Asia, Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as the Rose of Sharon, is the national flower of South Korea and is sometimes also referred to as the Korean Rose.

Its flowers can range from pink and purple to white, often with a deeper red-pink throat. Different flower colours may even appear on the same tree at the same time. For more certainty over flower colour, a named cultivar may be preferable. At Barcham, we also currently offer Hibiscus syriacus 'White Chiffon'.

Small and compact, this is a superb choice for tighter spaces where other trees may eventually become too large. Supplied as a half standard, it retains the form of a tree rather than a shrub. Its size can be further controlled through pruning, which can also help encourage flowering.

Lobed leaves appear in late spring, followed by large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, blue and white. These open in succession from midsummer into autumn and feature conspicuous protruding stamens.

Hibiscus syriacus prefers a sheltered position in full sun and will tolerate most soil types provided they are well drained. It is rated H5 for hardiness and typically develops a spread of up to 4m.

Mature height: up to 4m

Common names

Rose of Sharon

Soil type

Well drained

Blossom Colour

PinkPurpleWhite

Foliage Colour

Green

Looks good in

AutumnSummer

Genus

Hibiscus