Rose of Sharon, also known as Hibiscus syriacus, is a deciduous shrub (often grown in tree form) that thrives in Utah's climate. It’s hardy enough to handle our hot, dry summers and withstand our harsh winter temperatures. This versatile, drought tolerant plant can be used in a variety of landscape designs.
This huge patch of White Pillar Rose of Sharon are waking up in our cold frames. Their young leaves are beautifully backlit by the sun.
Like all hibiscus, Rose of Sharon wakes up late in the spring—so late, in fact, that homeowners often think their shrub died over the winter. If your hibiscus still looks dormant well into April, don’t worry about it. It will, most likely, come back before summer, and it will load itself with amazing flowers that bloom until frost! It’s truly an amazing plant.
All hibiscus cultivars will add a colorful, almost tropical look to your landscape. One of the most significant benefits of Rose of Sharon is its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant produces large, showy, single or double blooms in various shades of pink, white, purple, and blue. These flowers typically bloom in late summer and early fall, making them a great way to add color to the garden when many other plants begin to fade. The enticing blooms also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent plant for local wildlife.
There are several amazing cultivars that will enhance your garden beautifully. Some will take up a lot of space in your yard, reaching 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Other dwarf varieties are much smaller, reaching only 3 to 4 feet tall and wide.
If you’re looking for a vertical element in your yard that doesn’t dominate your space, there are three cultivars that grow tall and narrow—perfectly sized for a smaller yard. Purple Pillar, White Pillar, and Red Pillar are among the tallest cultivars you’ll find. They’ll eventually reach 10 to 16 feet tall, but they’ll only spread 2 to 3 feet wide, so they’re an excellent choice for tight spaces or as a screen. If you add it to a mixed garden, this vertical specimen contrasts nicely with other plants, especially when it’s planted near evergreens or plants with dark foliage.
Purple Pillar, Red Pillar, and White Pillar
Rose of Sharon will grow in most soil conditions, but prefers well-drained soil. It loves full sun, but can tolerate some shade. Perhaps best of all, it isn’t picky about water. It will accept water from any water source, including Utah Lake.
So, if you’re looking for a stunning shrub that is excellent for Utah landscapes, contrasts nicely with other plants, has a versatile growth habit, attractive foliage and flowers, and can tolerate drought, you just found it! You can’t go wrong with Rose of Sharon. It’s low-maintenance, hardy, and beautiful.
