Plant: Red Heart - Althea

Plant description

Rose of Sharon is a rapidly growing, large deciduous shrub or small tree in the mallow family, native to south China and Taiwan, reaching 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. It carries alternate, 3-lobed, coarsely toothed leaves 2 to 4 inches long with modest yellow fall color, and showy 2 to 4 inch flowers with five crepe-like petals that each last a single day through spring and summer. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well drained soil; it is pH adaptable, prefers hot weather and tolerates all but extremely wet or dry sites. Set plants 6 to 12 feet apart for a hedge, or use it in a children's, pollinator or butterfly garden where the flowers draw butterflies, specialized bees and hummingbirds.

Flowers

Flowers are 2 to 4 inches across with 5 crepe-like petals, campanulate, single or double and solitary, in red, white, violet, purple or two-toned, and each lasts for one day.

Foliage

Alternate, simple, 3-lobed medium to dark green leaves 2 to 4 inches long, coarsely toothed and glabrous, sometimes shiny, with modest yellow fall color.

Fruit

A 5-valved dehiscent capsule about 3/4 inch long and wide, brown, persisting through winter.

Pruning

Spring pruning will encourage flowers on new growth and will increase flower size.

Native range

S. China, Taiwan

Plant details