Plant Althea Rose of Sharon for color, blooms, butterflies and bees!
Althea Rose of Sharon
Looking for a small flowering tree?
The Althea Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus, is great option! Sometimes referred to as a shrub, it can be pruned up to be a low branching tree or even trained to be a ball on stem patio tree. The Althea have been an old standby for years and are often times found in older existing landscapes here in Austin, Texas.
Known by several names, they are also called Hibiscus syriacus, Althea, Rose of Sharon, and Rose Mallow. The hardest part is deciding which color bloom you want!
Althea Rose of Sharon
The Althea are available in a variety of colors such as white, purple, red, pink, lavender, and some varieties even have double blooms. Several of the varieties have a contrasting color at the center of the bloom which enhances the color and interest in my opinion. They like a well drained soil and can take the full sun here in Austin, Texas. If you have a spot with shade in the mornings that would be an acceptable place to plant them as well as long as it gets a half day of the afternoon sun.
The full size varieties can grow 6 – 10′ in height and the dwarf varieties reach only to 4-6′. In other words, depending on your landscape design plan, plant as a stand-alone specimen or mixed in with your landscape. They are very adaptable and easily added as an accent in most any setting.
Rose of Sharon
The Rose of Sharon are a deciduous flowering tree. You can prune and shape as you see fit. Looking for a more formal manicured look? Prune it to a standard form ball on stem patio tree. Like a more natural look? Leave it alone and it will grow naturally into a V shape. If you prefer it to have some exposed trunk, prune it to be a low branching tree. They are very versatile depending on the look you are trying to achieve.
Plant Althea Rose of Sharon in your landscape and garden plan for an added interest and plethora of blooms. In addition to the fact it has beautiful flowers, it is a favorite of the pollinators. Bees and butterflies flock to these wonderful unique blooms!
