Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon

Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon

Best planting location: Plant in full sun (6–8+ hours daily) in well-drained soil. It tolerates clay better than many shrubs but does not like constantly soggy roots. This narrow, columnar shrub grows about 10–16 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.

Planting

• Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball and only as deep as the root ball.
• Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with the native soil and gently firm it to remove air pockets.
• Water slowly and deeply immediately after planting until the entire root ball and surrounding soil are saturated.
• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch over the root zone, keeping it 2–3 inches away from the trunk.

Watering

• Weeks 1–2: Water deeply every 2–3 days if there is no significant rain.
• Weeks 3–12: Water once or twice a week, soaking the soil 8–12 inches deep.
• After establishment (about 1 year): Water during extended dry periods.
• Always water at the base of the plant rather than overhead.

Care

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
• Blooms on new wood, so prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed.
• Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds help pollinate the flowers.
• Seed pods may form after flowering if blooms are pollinated.

Container Planting

Grow in a container at least 20–24 inches wide with drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix, water whenever the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, and fertilize monthly during the growing season. Containers dry out faster than garden soil, so check moisture frequently in hot weather.

Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon

1. How big does Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon get?

Purple Pillar® has a naturally narrow, upright growth habit, typically reaching 10–16 feet tall and only 2–3 feet wide. Its slim shape makes it an excellent choice for narrow planting beds, privacy screens, entryways, and other spaces where traditional shrubs would be too wide.

2. Does Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon attract pollinators?

Yes. The large purple blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout its long flowering season. Planting it alongside other summer-blooming shrubs and perennials can help create a pollinator-friendly garden.

3. Can Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon be grown in a container?

Absolutely. Its narrow growth habit makes it an excellent choice for large containers on patios, porches, and balconies. Use a well-draining pot with quality potting mix, water regularly during hot weather, and provide full sun for the best flowering performance.

4. Does Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon need pruning?

Very little. Its naturally columnar shape stays tidy with minimal maintenance. If desired, lightly prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood or shape the plant before new growth begins. Since it blooms on new wood, pruning won't reduce summer flowers when done at the proper time.

5. When does Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon bloom?

Purple Pillar® provides a long season of color, producing large semi-double purple flowers with rich magenta-red centers from midsummer through early fall. It blooms when many other shrubs have finished flowering, making it an excellent choice for extending color and interest in the landscape late into the growing season.