THE Rose of Sharon (Hibicus syrucius) actually refers to the hibiscus flower, which was mentioned in Song of Songs in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is now thought that the species name originated in Syria, but the plant first came from China and India. Its other common names are althea and Chinese hibiscus.
NEEDS SPACE: This plant can grow over eight feet tall and spread out to six feet in diameter.
Although an Asiatic species, it has long been grown in Europe. As it is a common name that applies to several different species of flowering plants that are highly appreciated in different cultures, we see the name Rose of Sharon frequently used in verse or lyrics by different writers.
The Rose of Sharon bush is a deciduous flowering shrub and is regarded a small tree as its lead branches can house more and more twigs and branches. Most varieties can grow over eight feet tall and spread out to six feet in diameter. The leaves are long – up to four inches and often with three lobes and jagged edges.
There are single and double flowered forms that come in different colours such as blue, pink, red, lavender, purple and white. The distinctive feature is the colour change in the flowers over a two-day period, which gives the blooms a two-coloured pattern. The flowers are two to five inches wide with different spotting on the corolla in the middle of the trumpet-style flower’s throat.
All hibiscus plants can be grown in both the lowlands and highlands and in acidic soil. They are highly pollution tolerant, making them suitable for urban settings.
Growing tips
As the plant grows up to eight feet tall and six feet in diameter, choose a spot with enough room for the expansion of a mature plant’s foliage.
It will thrive in moist, well-drained soil that contains lots of organic matter. Add some compost to the soil to preserve moisture and create a better medium for growth.
Choosing a full sun position similar to other hibiscus plants is best. However, it can tolerate some shade.
Propagation is by stem cuttings and seeds. Although the plant is a multi-stemmed shrub, it can be trained to become a standard and single trunk plant to serve as a tree. It can also be trained as an espalier or shaped into a hedge by pruning.
To encourage flowering, prune regularly as the young terminal shoots would carry more flower buds.
Pests and diseases
The leaves can be attacked by Japanese beetles, which leave holes and some caterpillars may chew away portions of the leaves too. Diseases include fungal attacks such as blight and leaf spots. Some may be attacked by soil fungi like fusarium or root knots by nematodes.
Otherwise this is a hardy flowering plant.
Happy gardening and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.