Hibiscus syriacus L.

Rose of Sharon; Althaea

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Rose of Sharon is an introduced deciduous shrub in the Mallow family (Malvaceae). It is native to India and much of Asia. In Alabama it is commonly cultivated and can be found as an escape or persisting state wide. Rose of Sharon occurs around old home sites, along fence rows, along railroad tracks, and in urban woodlands. It is a shrub reaching 10-12 feet in height. The stems have thin light gray bark. Young twigs have a line of curved hairs running the length of the internodes. Leaves are petiolate, alternate, elliptic to ovate in outline, often 3-lobed, with toothed margins. Flowers are solitary or in small clusters in the axils of the leaves. Each flower has 7-8 linear stellate pubescent bracts. The calyx is bell-shaped and united for about ½ of its length. Each flower has 5 obovate petals that vary in color from white to pink, lavender, or blue. In many forms the base of the petals are red, forming an “eye” in the center of the flower. The numerous stamens are united to the style. The fruit is a capsule with flattened hairy seed. Rose of Sharon is a popular old fashioned landscape plant. It is often called “Althaea”. Numerous cultivars exist including double and semi-double flowered forms and many color variations. Rose of Sharon is available from many nurseries. It prefers full sun and a moist, rich soil. It is tolerant of drought, nutrient poor soils, and summer heat and humidity. Plants can also easily be rooted from cuttings or grown from seed.--A. Diamond

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Not Native

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