Rose of Sharon

Profile

Family

Malvaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

3 m

Spread

2 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

30 years

First yield

after 3 years

Hardiness

zone 6–9

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

6 – 7.5

Synonyms

Althaea frutex, Hibiskus, Scharonrose, Syrischer Eibisch, Garteneibisch

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Junge Blätter – roh oder gekocht. Sie haben einen sehr milden Geschmack, sind aber etwas bissfest und eignen sich gut für Salate. Aus den Blättern oder Blüten wird Tee zubereitet. Blüten – roh oder gekocht. Sie haben einen milden Geschmack und eine schleimige Konsistenz und sind sowohl optisch als auch geschmacklich eine Bereicherung für Salate. Wurzel – essbar, aber sehr faserig. Schleimig und geschmacksarm.

Medicinal: The root juice is a potent antidote for arsenic poisoning. A tea brewed from the roots is utilized as a diuretic.

Other uses: Low quality fiber from the stems is utilized in cordage and paper production. The seed has approximately 25% oil and is potentially edible. Leaves are used to create a hair shampoo. Flowers yield a blue dye. Commonly planted as a hedge in Southern Europe.

Growing

Thrives in well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in a sheltered, sunny location. Can adapt to various soil qualities but does not tolerate shade or poorly drained soils. Plants prefer cool, moist soil for roots and a sunny position for their tops. This species can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C but tends to thrive better in warmer regions due to its late flowering pattern. In colder areas, protection during the initial winters is advisable. Flowers bloom only in sunny weather. Pruning is seldom necessary for these plants, but they respond positively to pruning and trimming, ideally done in spring or right after flowering. Plants typically leaf out late, usually towards the end of May or early June. An exceptionally decorative plant with numerous named varieties available.

Propagation

Sow seeds in early spring indoors. Germination is usually quick. Transfer seedlings to individual pots once they are big enough and continue growing them indoors for the first year. Move them to their permanent spots outdoors in late spring or early summer. Some sources suggest that seeds can be directly sown outside, resulting in a high germination rate. Take cuttings of semi-hardwood in July/August in a controlled environment for a good success rate. Take cuttings of hardwood in early autumn in a controlled environment for a good success rate. Perform layering from mid-summer to early autumn.

Origin & habitat

East Asia - From China to India. Established in Southern Europe.

9. Dry grassy slopes among rocks, in exposed, usually parched, hot rocky situations often on calcareous soils. 200.

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