Rose of Sharon , ( Hibiscus syriacus , orAlthaea syriaca ) , shrub or diminished Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , in the   hibiscus , or   mallow , crime syndicate ( Malvaceae ) , widely implant as an ornamental for its showy flowers .   It aboriginal to south China and Taiwan but widely introduced elsewhere , admit much of Europe and North America . It was given the epithet syriacus because it had been collected from garden in Syria .

Common names let in the rose wine of Sharon,(especially in North America ) , Syrian ketmia , shrub althea ( or simply althea , and rose mallow ( in the United Kingdom ) . It is the national flower of South Korea and is mentioned in the South Korean national anthem .

History and Culture

in the first place native to Korea , Hibiscus syriacus was introduced to Japan in the 8th hundred where it was cultivated for decorative purposes . Historical records propose that it thrive on the Korean Peninsula prior to the first century , with its leave-taking being apply for brew herbal infusions and its flowers consumed as food . The plant made its way to Europe by the 16th 100 , although concern persisted regarding its hardiness .

Even as tardy as 1629 , John Parkinson affect it as finespun and urge protective measures against wintertime weather condition . However , by the goal of the seventeenth century , it became recognized as live , with some account describing it as hardy and suitable for outdoor finish . In the 18th century , it became a common fixture in English garden and was also cultivated in North American colony , where it was referred to as Althea frutex and “ Syrian ketmia ” .

Facts

Physical Description

Cultivars of Rose of Sharon

The following cultivar have gained the   Royal Horticultural Society ’s   Award of Garden Merit .

How To Grow and Care For Rose of Sharon

USDA hardiness zones

Diseases and Pests

Diseases

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungous disease that appears as a white , powdery coating on the leaves , stems , and bloom of Rose of Sharon . It flourish in warm , humid conditions and can step down the plant over time . To preclude powdery mildew , insure good airwave circulation around the plant by space them adequately and annul overcrowding . dispatch and destroy septic works material , and study applying antifungal treatment early in the season as a preventive step .

Cercospora Leaf Spot

Cercospora leafage spot is another fungal disease that affect Rose of Sharon . It causes dark brown to black spots with yellow anchor ring to form on the leaves , finally leading to defoliation if left untreated . To manage cercospora leaf spot , prune dissemble branches to meliorate aviation circulation and remove infected foliage readily . Apply fungicide judge for use on hibiscus plants according to the manufacturer ’s instructions .

Botrytis Blight

Botrytis blight , also known as hoary mold , is a fungous disease that thrives in nerveless , humid conditions . It causes brown lesions on the leaves , stems , and flower of Rose of Sharon , often accompanied by a fuzzy gray mold . To forbid botrytis blight , head off overhead watering , as the disease circularize through water droplets . rationalize out infected plant constituent and better air circulation to quash humidity around the plant .

Root Rot

antecedent bunkum is a common problem in Rose of Sharon triggered by fungal pathogen such as Phytophthora and Pythium . It typically occurs in poorly drain soil or when plants are overwatered , leading to waterlogged roots . Symptoms include wilting , yellowing foliation , and eventual plant death . To prevent solution guff , insure the dirt is well - debilitate and ward off overwatering . Plant Rose of Sharon in raise beds or container if drainage is a business concern .

Pests

Aphids

Aphids are small , soft - corporate worm that feed on the sap of plant , including Rose of Sharon . They can look in large numbers , clump on the undersides of leave and along tender new maturation . Aphid plague can cause leaves to curl , yellow , or distort , and they may excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew , which can attract ants and promote the growth of sooty mold . To insure aphids , spray affect plants with a firm flow of water to dislodge them , or use insecticidal grievous bodily harm or neem oil as directed .

Japanese Beetles

Japanese mallet are destructive pests that feed in on the leaf , blossom , and fruit of Rose of Sharon , causing significant damage to the plant . These metallic green and Cu - colored beetles can skeletonize leaves and bequeath plant looking ragged . Handpick grownup beetle from plants betimes in the morning when they are less active , and consider using traps or utilise insecticides labeled for Nipponese beetle control condition .

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that fertilize on the undersides of foliage , suck sap from plant cellular phone and causing stippling , yellowing , and previous leaf drop . These pestis thrive in hot , ironic stipulation and can rapidly multiply in large numbers , especially during point of drought . To control spider mites , on a regular basis inspect plant for signs of plague , and use a potent stream of water to wash them off . In severe cases , consider applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil .

Whiteflies

whitefly are small , moth - alike dirt ball that feed on the undersurface of leaves , sucking sap and excreting honeydew . They can cause leaves to yellowish , wilt , and drop untimely , and their viscid body waste can attract pismire and elevate the growth of jet molding . To check whitefly , practice yellow sticky traps to monitor populations and reduce numbers , and utilise insecticidal soap or neem oil as place . Pruning heavily overrun works part can also aid reduce population .