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Hibiscus Syriacus or Rose of Sharon, as it is more commonly called is one of the easiest varieties of hibiscus to grow. It is one of the least demanding varieties of hibiscus and a very hardy one at that. It is hardy anywhere from zone 4 to zone 9, but it can grow in very hot climates as well. It is the national flower of South Korea and appears on national emblems there. Growing this beautiful variety of hibiscus is greatly rewarding.

A member of the Malvaceae, it is widely grown in Asia. Although it is typically grown in the ground as a bush, it can be grown in pots, but it will require a very large pot with sufficient drainage. Since clay absorbs water, a clay pot is not well suited to a fast growing or water loving plant like Rose of Sharon.

*Growing in a pot -

Because it will grow quickly and grow quite tall, it is important to make sure that the pot is large enough to support the weight of a plant that will be top heavy. When planted in the ground, Rose of Sharon will spread to become wide and bushy. It generally grows to about six feet in height, but could easily grow taller provided the optimal growing conditions. Once a Rose of Sharon blooms, and provided it has been pollinated, it will produce copious amounts of seeds.

*Starting from seed -

Rose of Sharon is easy to start from seed and will grow rapidly after the seeds have germinated and established themselves. Because Rose of Sharon will grow so easily from seed, any seeds that are not harvested may fall and sprout. These new starts should be transplanted so that they don't crowd the original plant.

*Adaptability -

This variety of hibiscus is probably more able to adapt to poor growing conditions than any other variety. Although it can and does grow well in poor quality or poorly draining soil, it benefits from regular fertilizing and doses of Epsom Salt. Soil that is heavy and the consistency of clay tends to be lacking in nutrients because they are washed away by the water. Adding calcium to the soil can be helpful. Bone or blood meal are the best sources of calcium and are very easy to find in garden centers.

*How to identify -

It is easy to identify a Rose of Sharon that is in distress because the leaves will often start to turn yellow. When this happens during the height of the growing season, and not just prior to dormancy, this is a sign that the soil is poorly nourished. Although this happens to plants in the ground, it is more commonly found in pot grown Rose of Sharon plants. It may also

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