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InsightHorizon Digest

How big do Rose of Sharon get

Author

John Parsons

Updated on April 06, 2026

The rose-of-sharon grows to a height of 8–12′ and a spread of 6–10′ at maturity.

Are rose of Sharon trees fast growing?

Arbor Day Foundation notes that Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) grows up to 24 inches each year until it reaches its mature height of 8 to 12 feet.

How long does a rose of Sharon live?

In mild winter climates, forsythia can survive for 20 to 30 years or longer. Rose of Sharon, also known as Althea, delights observers with white, pink, red, purple or blue flowers for a few weeks in late summer. A cold-hardy, drought-resistant shrub, Rose of Sharon can productively produce blooms for 20 to 30 years.

How far from house should rose of Sharon be planted?

Planting Distance From the Foundation In general, a tall shrub like a Rose of Sharon is best planted in a shrub border or in a mass planting at least 4 to 5 feet away from the house foundation, where the plant can broaden its branches unhampered.

How much space does a rose of Sharon need?

Space the plants 6 to 10 feet apart; read the tag or label for the exact spacing. You can also grow rose of Sharon in a large container filled with good quality potting soil. A dwarf rose of Sharon (also Hibiscus syriacus) that tops out at 3 to 4 feet tall and wide is a good choice for this.

Do hummingbirds like rose of Sharon?

Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus, isn’t a rose, but its large, flat blossoms and nectar attract hummingbirds and tiny insects that hummers also eat. The flowers on this woody shrub come in several colors, including white, pink, purple, and red.

Does rose of Sharon multiply?

A: Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) — also known as Althea — is a beautiful shrub but it can also be quite invasive. Unlike bamboo, the Rose of Sharon spreads via its ample and easily germinated seeds. … Prevention: This takes effort but if you deadhead the spent flowers before they go to seed, you don’t get seedlings.

What month does rose of Sharon bloom?

The blooms of Rose of Sharon, also known as shrub althea, are most welcome since they come during the latter half of the summer and into fall when most flowering shrubs. In most regions where rose of Sharon thrives, the flowers are best in July and August.

Are rose of Sharon roots invasive?

Does Rose of Sharon Have Invasive Roots? … However, they can grow up to 12 feet high and can spread out, so rose of Sharon should not be planted close to septic tanks or drainpipes. Though its red, pink, white or purple flowers can be vibrant and beautiful, rose of Sharon is considered to be an invasive plant.

Is rose of Sharon a tree or bush?

The Rose-of-Sharon is an deciduous, upright, occasionally spreading shrub or small tree with multiple trunks. The branches grow upright and wlll not droop except when in flower. The leaves emerge late in the spring.

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Does Rose of Sharon tolerate wind?

Rose of Sharon is tolerant of a variety of soils and can take wind.

What is the beautiful rose of Sharon?

Biblical Reference In the Bible, the Rose of Sharon symbolizes beauty, and it is used in the book of Song of Solomon to describe the beauty of King Solomon’s lover.

Does Rose of Sharon have a scent?

Rose of Sharon (also known as shrub althea or Hibiscus syriacus) is an easy to grow perennial that can dress up your yard with bright colorful blooms and sweet fragrance. … The blooms can be single or double.

How do you keep rose of Sharon from spreading?

Apply Preemergent Herbicide A preemergent herbicide applied on the ground around a rose of Sharon bush will prevent its seeds from germinating and taking root. Be aware, though, that these preemergent herbicides generally work on all seeds, including those you deliberately plant in the garden.

Can I plant rose of Sharon in the summer?

Not in the summer or winter. Your plants will be stressed if you try to transplant them when the weather is too hot or cold. … It stresses a plant to move it during the growing season, and it will take longer to establish in the new location. It’s best to plan on transplanting a Rose of Sharon shrub in autumn.

How far do Rose of Sharon roots spread?

Rose-of-Sharon grows 8 to 10 feet tall and spreads 4 to 10 feet. The growth rate ranges from slow to moderate, and transplanting is easy. Several roots are usually located just beneath the soil surface. 1.

Where is the best place to plant Rose of Sharon?

For spectacular flowers and easy care, plant your Rose of Sharon in a spot with good drainage and full sun to partial shade. In northern climates, six or more hours of direct daily sun promotes maximum blooms.

What animal eats Rose of Sharon?

The deer have nibbled off many of the branches of two Rose of Sharon bushes.

Do Wasps like Rose of Sharon?

This beloved shrub has gorgeous flowers that attract wildlife in droves, including butterflies and hummingbirds. And plenty more I didn’t capture photos of, including other varieties of bees, wasps, and flies.

Do butterflies like Rose of Sharon?

Rose of sharon shrubs are much loved for their large, prolific, tropical-looking blooms in late summer. … Besides gardeners, these blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Why is rose of Sharon bad?

Growing Rose of Sharon The shrub may occasionally suffer from pests like Japanese beetles and aphids and diseases like blights, canker and leaf spots. … Its ability to thrive despite poor conditions that may cause problems for other plant species is one of the things that contribute to the shrub’s invasiveness.

Do rose of Sharon have shallow roots?

Soil and Light Requirements Tolerating a wide variety of soil types, Rose of Sharon thrives in nearly any location. Root growth is shallow, so its root system does not disturb underground pipes or wires.

How many hours of sun does a rose of Sharon need?

Does rose of Sharon need full sun? Plants will bloom best in full sun, but can tolerate some light shade. Make sure plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Is rose of Sharon poisonous to dogs?

In most cases, hibiscus is non-toxic for pets, but the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a type of hibiscus that can be harmful to your furry friend. If a dog ingests a significant amount of this hibiscus’ flower, they can experience nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Can you keep rose of Sharon tree small?

It’s a very full-bodied shrub, but it can readily be pruned into a small tree by removing the lower branches. Left unpruned, it makes a good screening hedge. One of the most dependable rose of Sharon cultivars, ‘Lucy’ will tolerate some shade, but its flowers will be most profuse if it receives full sun.

Do rose of Sharon climb?

Rose of Sharon is an upright shrub, perhaps 8 to 10 feet tall. … Like PeeGee hydrangeas and climbing roses, all that rose of Sharon needs is very occasionally to have a decrepit stem cut back low in the plant.

What's the difference between rose of Sharon and hibiscus?

Rose of Sharon falls under the genus Hibiscus, making it a cousin of other popular Hibiscus varieties. Essentially, all Rose of Sharons are Hibiscus, but not all Hibiscus are Rose of Sharons. The plant traditionally labeled ‘Hibiscus’ as a common name is actually called Chinese Hibiscus, or Rose of China.

Does Rose of Sharon lose its leaves in winter?

Rose of Sharon is a deciduous shrub that loses its leaves in winter, even in warmer climates. You can expect the leaves to yellow slightly and drop in late fall.

Does Rose of Sharon make a good hedge?

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How many colors of rose of Sharon are there?

Rose of Sharon comes in violet, blue, red, purple, white and pink, often with a contrasting center eye. Many people are turned off by this shrub’s size. If left unpruned, it can reach 6-12 feet tall and wide. I keep my plants small by pruning back to just inches above ground in the late winter or early spring.

How does Rose of Sharon look in winter?

The rose of Sharon in fall loses its leaves, showing only bare branches and stems during winter. A newly planted rose of Sharon might experience some die-back of the current season’s stems or small branches during winter, but an established plant generally comes through winter undamaged.