Double Pink Rose of Sharon Tree

Double Pink Rose of Sharon grows in USDA zones 5 to 9 in full to part sun. It is not fussy about soil but performs best in moist, well-draining ground; more sun means more flowers.

Planting

1. Choose a site with full to part sun — at least six hours of direct light gives the heaviest bloom.
2. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and roughly twice as wide to loosen the surrounding soil.
3. Set the plant so the root flare sits level with the surrounding soil, never buried deeper than it grew in the pot.
4. Backfill with the native soil, firm it gently to remove air pockets, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
5. Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone to hold moisture, keeping it pulled back a few inches from the trunk.

Care & maintenance

• Water. Keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season while roots establish. Once settled it is fairly drought tolerant, but deep watering in dry late-summer spells supports better bloom.
• Feed. Apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer in early spring as growth resumes. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which pushes leaves at the expense of flowers.
• Light. Full sun yields the most and fullest blooms; in too much shade flowering thins and the habit grows lanky.
• Prune. Rose of Sharon blooms on new wood, so prune in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Cut back to shape, remove crossing or weak stems, and harder pruning encourages larger flowers. Pruning at this time will not cost you the coming season's bloom.
• Mulch & winter care. Refresh mulch each spring to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Established plants are hardy through zone 5 with no special winter protection.
• Pests & disease. Generally trouble-free. Watch for aphids and Japanese beetles on tender growth, and ensure good air circulation to discourage occasional leaf spot or rust. Spent flowers may produce seed; selecting and removing seedlings keeps it from self-sowing.

When does it bloom and how long?

Expect flowers from late summer into fall. Rose of Sharon is prized for blooming in this later window, carrying fresh color for weeks after most spring and early-summer shrubs have finished.

Why isn't my Rose of Sharon blooming?

The most common causes are too much shade and over-feeding with high-nitrogen fertilizer, both of which favor leaves over flowers. Give it at least six hours of sun and use a balanced feed in early spring. Because it blooms on new wood, late-winter pruning will not remove buds — but a hard late-spring or summer cut can.

When and how should I prune it?

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, since the plant flowers on the current season's wood. Shape the canopy, remove crossing or weak branches, and cut back as needed — harder pruning tends to produce fewer but larger blooms. To keep the tree form, also rub or clip off shoots that sprout low on the trunk.

Does it grow in sun or shade?

Full to part sun. It will tolerate light afternoon shade, but the fullest, most abundant flowering comes with six or more hours of direct sun each day.

Is it good for pollinators?

Yes. The nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and because they appear in late summer and fall they provide forage when many other flowers have faded.

Can I grow it as a hedge or in a container?

Both work. Spaced in a row, its upright habit and fast growth make an attractive informal flowering hedge or screen. It can also be grown in a large container for a patio; just water more often and protect the pot in the coldest part of its range, since roots in containers are more exposed to winter cold.