How to Plant Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon, also known as Hibiscus syriacus, is a deciduous flowering shrub with colorful blooms. If you're looking to brighten up your landscape with this stunning plant, here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant Rose of Sharon.

Choosing the Right Location

Before you start planting Rose of Sharon, choose a suitable location for the shrub. It requires a spot that receives full sun for at least 6 hours each day. Also, ensure that the location has well-drained soil that's slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Prepare the Planting Site

To prepare the planting site, start by clearing and removing any debris, rocks, weeds, or grass from the area. Next, dig a hole that's twice as wide as the plant's root ball and slightly deeper than the container in which it came. Mix in some organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or aged manure with the soil to provide nutrients and improve drainage.

Planting Rose of Sharon

To plant Rose of Sharon, place the shrub into the prepared hole, with its root ball at the same height as the soil level. Fill in the hole with the amended soil mixture, tapping it gently to remove any air bubbles. You can add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil.

Water and Fertilize

After planting Rose of Sharon, give it a good drink of water to settle the soil around the roots. Water the plant regularly, especially during the hot summer months, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can also use a high-phosphorus fertilizer in the spring and summer to promote flowering and growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

To keep Rose of Sharon healthy and thriving, prune it in the late winter or early spring before its new growth starts. Trim off any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and make any shaping cuts to encourage a full and bushy growth. Additionally, you can remove any suckers that appear at the base of the plant to prevent it from becoming invasive.

In conclusion, Rose of Sharon is a stunning addition to any landscape. With the right planting location, proper care and pruning, you can enjoy this beautiful flowering shrub in your garden for years to come.