Lawn Guardian

Rose of Sharon Care Guide

Hibiscus syriacus

shrubZones 5–9

Late-summer-blooming shrub with tropical-looking flowers in white, pink, blue, or purple. One of the last shrubs to leaf out in spring and flower in summer.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Prune in late winter/early spring Late winter to early spring

Rose of Sharon blooms on new wood, so prune in spring. Cut back by 1/3 to promote branching and larger flowers.

Apply mulch ring Early spring

Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weed competition.

Summer

Deadhead to prevent seeding Throughout bloom

Remove spent flowers before they set seed. Rose of Sharon can be aggressively self-seeding.

Water during dry spells During dry periods

While drought tolerant when established, plants bloom better with consistent moisture.

Fall

Remove seedlings Fall

Pull unwanted seedlings that have sprouted in the garden. Sterile varieties like 'Blue Chiffon' avoid this issue.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns