be a sign that the bushes are not getting as much water as they need.

*Transplantation -

It is important to transplant pot grown Rose of Sharon plants yearly because they will become root bound in the pot very quickly. It is also necessary to fertilize plants in pots more regularly than you would those ground in the ground. My experience has shown me that the lavender color Rose of Sharon will show distress signs more readily than the white.

*Sun requirements -

A sun loving perennial that though hardy, loves warm weather and loves water, Rose of Sharon is the easiest hibiscus I have grown. Although it doesn't have to be fertilized regularly, it is typical of other varieties of hibiscus in that it requires substantial and frequent amounts of water.

*Rich source of nectar -

Having early blooming hibiscus provides some good nourishment for the hummingbirds when other flowers haven't started blooming yet. Rose of Sharon is a big favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies, so it is important to be especially careful about treating insect problems like aphids or spider mites, or an occasional bout of spotty mildew. The most effective and completely safe and organic remedy I have found is pure Neem Oil. It works as an insecticide, a fungicide and as a miticide all in one.

If you want to prevent your Rose of Sharon from cross pollinating and possibly changing the color of the blooms, it is important to keep the colors planted far enough apart so that they won't mix so easily. As a big source of nectar for both hummingbirds and butterflies, cross pollination will always be a problem, so it should be a consideration in determining or deciding where to plant and how far apart to plant them.

Although they are hardy and will survive harsh winter climates, I try to cover the ground around the trunk with leaves and this takes the place of regular mulch. Mulching with compost, composted manure or mushroom mulch is ideal. This is helpful because it allows the soil to retain more moisture, something that is especially important since we have had so little rain throughout the summer and fall. It may also help hold some heat in the ground.

Learn more about this author, Theresa Rose.
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