Double Pink Rose of Sharon Tree

Double Pink Rose of Sharon Tree Planting and Care Guide

The Double Pink Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), also known as a shrub althea or hardy hibiscus, is a stunning, deciduous flowering tree or shrub that produces abundant, showy pink blooms with double-layered petals. Known for its long blooming period from mid-summer to fall, it’s a perfect choice for creating a colorful focal point in gardens or landscapes. This hardy and low-maintenance tree is great for gardeners who want beauty with minimal effort. Here’s how to plant and care for your Double Pink Rose of Sharon Tree.

1. Planting Instructions

• Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Rose of Sharon flowers best when it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate heat and humidity.
• Soil Preparation: Rose of Sharon prefers well-draining soil, but it can adapt to a variety of soil types, from sandy to loamy, as long as it's not waterlogged. The ideal pH range is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0). Amend heavy clay soils with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
• Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and slightly shallower than the root depth to prevent the tree from sinking as the soil settles. The top of the root ball should sit about 1-2 inches above ground level to ensure good drainage.
• Planting: Place the tree in the center of the hole and backfill with the soil you removed, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (such as shredded bark or compost) around the base of the tree. Mulching helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, but make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

2. Care Instructions (Establishment Period)

• Watering: Water deeply after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during the first year to help establish the tree. Water once a week, or more frequently during dry spells. Once established, Rose of Sharon is fairly drought-tolerant and only needs watering during extended dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring as the tree starts to leaf out. Rose of Sharon typically doesn’t need much fertilization. Over-fertilizing can result in fewer flowers, so if your soil is rich, you may not need to fertilize at all.
• Pruning for Shape: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and lightly shape the tree to your preference. This also encourages healthy growth and better flowering. Since Rose of Sharon blooms on new wood (current season’s growth), pruning helps promote larger and more abundant blooms.

3. Maintenance and Long-Term Care

• Pruning: Light pruning every year in late winter keeps your tree in shape and encourages vigorous flowering. To promote a tree-like form, remove the lower branches and any suckers at the base of the tree. If left unpruned, the tree may grow more shrub-like.
• Pest and Disease Control: The Double Pink Rose of Sharon is generally resistant to pests, but it can occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, or Japanese beetles. If pests are an issue, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage them. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, especially in humid environments, which can be minimized by ensuring good air circulation around the tree.
• Cold and Winter Care: This tree is hardy and can tolerate cold winters, but if you're in a zone 5 climate, apply a layer of mulch around the base in late fall to insulate the roots. If needed, you can wrap young trees with burlap to protect them from harsh winter winds.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The Rose of Sharon attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to pollinator gardens.

4. Harvesting Seeds (Optional)

If you’re interested in collecting seeds from your Rose of Sharon, follow these steps:

• Seed Pods: After the flowers fade, small green seed pods will form. Allow these pods to remain on the tree until they turn brown and dry.
• Harvesting: Once the pods are dry, pick them from the tree and open them to release the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for planting in the spring.
• Preventing Self-Seeding: If you don’t want the tree to self-seed, you can deadhead flowers before seed pods form.