The hardy and drought-tolerant Rose of Sharon – Hibiscus syriacus – is an easy shrub for Colorado, and August is a great time to plant one.
Rose of Sharon are large upright shrubs to 8’-12’ tall and 6′ wide, blooming in mid and late summer with large, tropical-looking flowers in various colors that draw bees, butterflies and hummingbirds in July and August. The ‘Goddess’ series have large, tropical single flowers that are longer blooming than old varieties, and sterile, eliminating unwanted seedlings. We offer 3 dependable varieties.
These prefer full sun, but thrive with eastern exposure.
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Diana’: Wide, pure white saucer flowers with subtly ruffled petals and yellow-cream protruding pistils proliferate on a vase-shaped shrub with dark green toothed leaves. Plant as a deciduous hedge, a specimen, or place at the back of the border.
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Minerva’: (pictured above) Lavender-pink, slightly ruffled saucer-shaped flowers with a burgundy center around a cream protruding pistil.
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’: On an upright, vase-shaped shrub, large saucer-shaped flowers bloom from July to frost with slightly ruffled, clear pink petals and a deep red splotch in the throat. An exotic, contrasting pistil protrudes. Medium to dark green toothed leaves.