Exploring the Different Types of Rose of Sharon

Types of Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon, also known as Hibiscus syriacus, is a popular deciduous shrub that produces beautiful flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. These plants are typically grown for their ornamental value and are often used in landscaping and gardening projects. In this article, we will explore the different types of Rose of Sharon and their unique characteristics.

1. Single Flowering Rose of Sharon

The single flowering Rose of Sharon is the most common type of Hibiscus syriacus. This variety produces large, showy flowers with a single layer of petals. The flowers can be found in a wide range of colors, from white to deep magenta. Single flowering Rose of Sharon blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Single flowering Rose of Sharon has a vase-shaped growth habit and is easily pruned into a tree form. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

Some popular cultivars of single flowering Rose of Sharon include Bluebird, Diana, and Red Heart.

2. Double Flowering Rose of Sharon

Double flowering Rose of Sharon is a type of Hibiscus syriacus that produces flowers with multiple layers of petals. These blooms can be quite large and showy, and they come in a range of colors, including white, pink, and purple. Double flowering Rose of Sharon blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 10 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Double flowering Rose of Sharon has a slightly more upright growth habit than the single flowering variety. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety can be prone to pests like spider mites and aphids, so regular monitoring is recommended.

Cultivars:

Some popular cultivars of double flowering Rose of Sharon include Aphrodite, Ardens, and Diana.

3. Variegated Rose of Sharon

Variegated Rose of Sharon is a type of Hibiscus syriacus that produces leaves with white or yellow edges. This variety also produces showy flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. Variegated Rose of Sharon blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Variegated Rose of Sharon has a compact growth habit and is often used as a specimen plant. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety can be prone to leaf burn if exposed to too much direct sunlight, so it's important to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Cultivars:

Some popular cultivars of variegated Rose of Sharon include Sugar Tip, Snow White, and Purple Pillar.

4. Miniature Rose of Sharon

Miniature Rose of Sharon is a type of Hibiscus syriacus that produces smaller flowers than the other varieties mentioned above. This variety can be found in shades of white, pink, and purple. Miniature Rose of Sharon blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 5 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Miniature Rose of Sharon has a compact growth habit and is often used in small gardens or as a border plant. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

Some popular cultivars of miniature Rose of Sharon include Lil Kim, Violet Satin, and White Chiffon.

5. Hibiscus syriacus 'Oiseau Bleu'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Oiseau Bleu' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces stunning blue flowers. This variety is relatively rare and can be difficult to find in nurseries or garden centers. Hibiscus syriacus 'Oiseau Bleu' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Oiseau Bleu' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Oiseau Bleu'.

6. Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, double white flowers. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana'.

7. Hibiscus syriacus 'Notwoodtwo'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Notwoodtwo' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, double pink flowers. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Notwoodtwo' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Notwoodtwo' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Notwoodtwo'.

8. Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, single purple flowers. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge'.

9. Hibiscus syriacus 'Paeoniflorus'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Paeoniflorus' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, double pink flowers. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Paeoniflorus' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Paeoniflorus' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Paeoniflorus'.

10. Hibiscus syriacus 'Blushing Bride'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Blushing Bride' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, single white flowers with a pink blush. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Blushing Bride' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Blushing Bride' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Blushing Bride'.

11. Hibiscus syriacus 'Helene'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Helene' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, double pink flowers with a red eye. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Helene' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Helene' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Helene'.

12. Hibiscus syriacus 'Lucy'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Lucy' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, double pink flowers. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Lucy' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Lucy' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Lucy'.

13. Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, single pink flowers with a red eye. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva'.

14. Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, single purple flowers. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge'.

15. Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Satin'

Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Satin' is a type of Rose of Sharon that produces large, single blue-purple flowers. This variety is prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Satin' blooms in mid to late summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Characteristics:

Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Satin' has a vase-shaped growth habit and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This variety is relatively easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established.

Cultivars:

There are no known cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Satin'.

Rose of Sharon is an incredibly versatile plant that can add beauty and color to any garden or landscape. With so many different types available, there is sure to be a variety that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer single or double flowers, white or purple blooms, or compact or tall plants, there is a Rose of Sharon variety that will fit the bill.

FAQs

1. How do I care for my Rose of Sharon?

Rose of Sharon prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size.

2. Can I grow Rose of Sharon in a container?

Yes, Rose of Sharon can be grown in a container as long as it has enough room to grow and receives adequate sunlight and water.

3. Does Rose of Sharon attract bees and butterflies?

Yes, Rose of Sharon is a favorite of bees and butterflies due to its nectar-rich flowers.

4. How often should I fertilize my Rose of Sharon?

Fertilize your Rose of Sharon once per year in the spring using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

5. Is Rose of Sharon toxic to pets?

Rose of Sharon is not known to be toxic to pets, but it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your pets when introducing new plants to your home or garden.