Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), aka althea, is a vigorous, upright, vase-shaped, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically grows 8-12 feet tall with some exceptions. Altheas may also be trained as small trees or espalier. Showy 5-petaled flowers appear over a long summer period and sometimes into early fall. The center of each flower has prominent single staminal column (except where noted). The palmately-veined, coarsely toothed leaves are medium green leaves measure 2-4 inches in length but fall color is non-existent.

Altheas are highly dependable landscape shrubs and among the easiest to maintain. They grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils and in full sun to part shade. Flowering is best in full sun and in moist, humus-rich soils. Established shrubs exhibit good summer drought tolerance. Prune to shape in spring. Old altheas may be cut back to the ground in late winter. Altheas are easily propagated by stem cuttings. Be aware that altheas can self-seed aggressively and become a weedy nightmare. Seedless forms are becoming more available (see cultivars below).

Disease and insect problems cause little overall injury to altheas and new aftergrowth covers up most damage. Japanese beetles can severely injure foliage if left unchecked.

Altheas may be planted in groups for hedging or singly used as a specimen. Utilize them for foundations and shrub borders.

Chiffon® Series is an outstanding series from Proven Winners. Flowers are mostly sterile, meaning they may produce a small quantity of seed. Shrubs grow 8-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide. Currently, there are 5 color choices in the series: Blue Chiffon®, Dark Lavender Chiffon®, Magenta Chiffon, Pink Chiffon®, and White Chiffon®.

Pillar™ Series are planted as space-saving shrubs that grow 10-16 feet high and 2-3 feet wide. Currently, there are two color choices in the series: Purple Pillar® and White Pillar®.

Pollypetite® (H. paramutablis x H. syriacus) is a dwarf hybrid form. This rounded shrub grows 3-4 feet tall and wide with large rounded pure lavender purple flowers with soft ruffled edges and no center eye. Leaves are very dark green.

Sugar Tip® is a double-flower seedless form that grows 6-8 feet high and 4-6 feet wide, bright cream and bluish-green variegated foliage and large clear pink double blooms.

There are many other varieties available at garden centers. The ones listed above are among the best.