Ardens Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 'Ardens'

Height: 12 feet

Spread: 10 feet

Sunlight:

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Other Names: Shrub Althea

Description:

Extremely showy double lilac-purple flowers throughout summer; a tall, stiffly upright shrub with vase shape habit; very adaptable plant, but prefers full sun

Ornamental Attributes:

Ardens Rose of Sharon features bold lilac purple round flowers along the branches from mid summer to early fall. It has green foliage throughout the season. The lobed leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. The smooth gray bark is not particularly outstanding.

Landscape Attributes:

Ardens Rose of Sharon is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

Insects
Disease
Ardens Rose of Sharon is recommended for the following landscape applications;

General Garden Use
Mass Planting
Hedges/Screening
Accent
Container Planting
Plant Characteristics:

Ardens Rose of Sharon will grow to be about 12 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It tends to be leggy, with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.

This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

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