Rose Of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus
- Native to:
- China, Taiwan
Charles J. Sharp (www.wikidata.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Hibiscus
- Species:
- Hibiscus syriacus
- USDA Symbol:
- HISY
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink, purple, blue, red
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
commoda moth (Anomis commoda), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Bombus Latreille, Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus) Moths:Rusicada privata
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage preferred
- Moisture:
- moderately moist
- Notes:
- native to regions with seasonal rainfall
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in spring.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)