ROSE OF SHARON

ALTHEA SYRIACUS

Many will agree July is the month the garden reaches its fullest potential, providing such a variety of color, flower forms and sizes, as well an assortment of fragrance.  Althea syriacus, also known as Hardy Hibiscus or Rose of Sharon is a must have and favorite for the  mid-summer garden providing many of these qualities.

This easy to care for plant can be used in a variety of ways, including as a large multi stemmed shrub  functioning as a showy privacy screen, or more as small tree pruned on a standard as more of a specimen/focal point.  Althea also works well on the patio garden as a container planting or included in a raised planter. Althea’s various forms lends itself well in either a formal or less formal setting.

This plant is adaptable to variety of climates from Zone 5-9 and tolerant  of a variety of well drained soils. Althea will produce flowers in both sun/part shade conditions. The showy and fragrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds and those wanting to add a tropical look to their garden. Bloom colors vary from purple, white, red, pink, and blue.

Pests to look out for are Aphids and Japanese Beetles. Bacterial leaf spot and fungus can also be a problem under wet conditions.

 Although the flower is showy, the fruit is not, which allows for less of a mess in the garden and is a good choice for areas around patios and drives.

   GROWN IN STANDARD TREE FORM      TROPICAL LOOK OF THE BLOOM

Take a look at some of the links below for additional information:

 www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets/shrubs/rsoshar.html

July and August are typically the driest and hottest months of the year. This is also the time when most of us have a little more leisure time to relax and spend time outdoors.

In order to truly enjoy this time, key hard scape elements are essential to making this all possible. Adding some "sparkle", in the form of water whether it be something simple like a small fountain or bubbling rock, or something more complex such as a formal pond and meandering stream will all provide a more serene visual and audio effect, while cooling the surrounding air temperature.

Shade is also essential and can be created in a variety of ways, whether it be a wooden structure such as pergola, ornate screening, or gazebos, as well as attractive awnings, and umbrellas. Proper placement of shade trees are also imperative.

Some of my favorite trees:

Golden Rain Tree

Linden

Trident Maple

Hedge Maple

 Other cool Shade Ideas:

"A Canvas Canopy"

"Portable Pavilion"