Digging deeperPlant Library

Ardens Rose of Sharon flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

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 Features

Ardens Rose of Sharon features bold lilac purple round flowers along the branches from mid summer to early fall. It has green deciduous foliage. The lobed leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

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 relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

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

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Ardens Rose of Sharon will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to be a little 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.