Planting Starblast Chiffon™ Rose of Sharon
Starblast Chiffon™ grows best in full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-drained soil. It reaches about 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
- Dig the hole: Make the hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root ball. Keep the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
- Plant: Loosen circling roots if container-grown. Backfill with the native soil you removed, firming gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water deeply immediately after planting until the soil is thoroughly soaked. For the first 2 weeks, water every 2–3 days if there is no rain. Then water deeply once or twice a week for the rest of the first growing season. Always water slowly at the base so moisture reaches 8–12 inches deep. Reduce watering once established, except during extended dry periods.
- Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch over the root zone, keeping it 2–3 inches away from the trunk.
- Fertilizer: Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leaves over flowers.
- Pollination: Bees and butterflies are attracted to the blooms. No second plant is needed for flowering.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring, as it blooms on new wood. Remove dead or weak branches and shape as needed.
- Container growing: Use a large container (at least 20–24 inches wide) with drainage holes and quality potting mix. Water more frequently than in-ground plants and fertilize lightly each spring. Repot as the shrub grows.
Starblast Chiffon™ blooms from midsummer into fall with semi-double white flowers accented by red star-shaped centers, making it a long-lasting focal point in the landscape.