Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite')
Rose of Sharon 'Aphrodite' is a vigorous, low-maintenance deciduous shrub offering abundant pink blooms from June to October. Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite' resists deer and drought.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ provides reliable, extended summer color, making it a favorite for gardeners seeking late-season vibrancy. This cultivar of Rose of Sharon offers ruffled, single pink flowers accented with a striking dark red center, standing out well into autumn. As a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, it features an upright, vase shape, offering structure and vertical interest to the landscape.
The ‘Aphrodite’ cultivar is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its robust constitution. It showcases impressive tolerance to urban stress, humidity, and poorer soil conditions once established. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance required by this resilient Rose of Sharon, particularly its resistance to common pests like deer.
This shrub is an excellent choice for creating focal points or informal screening where long bloom time is prioritized. Planting Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ ensures you have continuous flower production from early summer right through to the first hard frosts, a rarity among many flowering woody plants.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Malvaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-10 ft
- Spread: 4-8 ft
- Bloom Time: June to October
- Bloom Description: Pink with dark red eye
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant this shrub during the dormant season, either early spring or fall, allowing it time to establish roots before summer heat arrives. For optimal flowering performance, site your Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ in a location receiving full sun, although it tolerates part shade well. It thrives in average, well-drained soils, though it shows remarkable tolerance for poor soils and clay composition.
Established plants require medium water, meaning weekly watering during dry spells is beneficial, though the species tolerates some drought once maturity is reached. Fertilizing is rarely necessary; focus instead on soil improvement if conditions are truly poor. Prune Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ in the spring just as buds begin to swell to maintain shape.
For slightly larger blooms, gardeners can employ more aggressive pruning: cutting the previous year’s growth back significantly to just 2-3 buds during the late winter. Be aware that while the species can self-seed, the triploid ‘Aphrodite’ cultivar produces little to no seed, reducing unwanted spread. This shrub is highly tolerant of summer heat and humidity, making it reliable across many climates.
Landscape Uses
The upright habit and long bloom period make Rose of Sharon incredibly versatile in landscape design. It functions beautifully as an excellent flowering shrub when massed together for a dramatic screen or planted in informal groups for textural interest through the summer. Because of its height potential, it serves well as a specimen plant or integrated into a mixed shrub border near foundations.
Consider planting Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ as an informal hedge where year-round structure is less critical than mid-to-late season color. Its strong structure and ability to handle urban pollution mean it performs admirably near walkways or property lines. Pair it with early-summer flowering shrubs that fade before it begins, ensuring continuous visual appeal in the garden bed.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The species, commonly known as rose of Sharon, is typically a vigorous, upright, vase-shaped deciduous shrub. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ is a compact triploid cultivar developed in the 1970s known for its ruffled, thick-petaled, clear pink single flowers featuring a dark red eye. These showy, hollyhock-like blooms appear continuously from early summer until fall, dramatically extending the flowering season.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Clay Soil
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Rose of Sharon generally has low maintenance needs, but it can exhibit some susceptibility to fungal issues such as leaf spots, blight, and rust. Ensure good air circulation to mitigate these fungal risks, especially when plants are situated too closely together. Occasionally, insect pests like Japanese beetles, aphids, and whiteflies may appear.
Japanese beetles are the most significant threat, as they can rapidly skeletonize the foliage if their population is unchecked. Monitor the plants closely in mid-summer; handpicking or using targeted insecticidal soap early in the infestation can effectively manage pest pressure on your Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Rose of Sharon suitable for?
This durable shrub, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’, is well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Rose of Sharon grow?
The ‘Aphrodite’ cultivar is notably compact, typically reaching 6 to 10 feet in height with a spread between 4 and 8 feet.
When does the Rose of Sharon bloom?
The bloom show for Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ is exceptionally long, beginning in June and often continuing through October, displaying beautiful pink flowers with a dark red eye.
What sun exposure does Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ need?
For the best and most prolific flowering, full sun exposure is recommended, though it will tolerate partial shade.
Conclusion
The Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ is an outstanding landscape performer, providing dependable, vibrant pink color throughout the challenging late summer and early autumn months with minimal upkeep. Its combination of tough tolerances and extended bloom makes this Rose of Sharon an invaluable addition to nearly any sunny or partially shaded border. Check your local growing zone suitability before planting this highly adaptable and beautiful shrub this season.
Companion Planting
When planning garden beds around your Rose of Sharon, consider plants that offer complementary textures or bloom times to maximize visual interest. Because Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ leafs out later in the spring, pairing it with early-blooming spring bulbs or perennials ensures the area looks full before its flowers emerge. Plants like Russian Sage or ornamental grasses pair well structurally and appreciate similar sun and water needs.
Focus on companions that do not require constant heavy watering, respecting the medium water needs of the Rose of Sharon. Lavender, Sedum varieties, and Coneflowers (Echinacea) thrive in similar conditions and provide contrasting flower shapes and colors against the large, hollyhock-like blooms of the hibiscus.
Design Ideas for Mass Planting
Mass planting Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ creates an incredibly impactful screen or backdrop along a property line due to its uniform height and dense flowering display. For a formal, structured hedge, shear the plants annually after spring cleanup to maintain a tight, consistent shape. This technique encourages dense branching and maximizes the number of flowers produced later in the season.
For a more informal cottage-garden feel, allow the Rose of Sharon to grow naturally into its vase shape. Interplant groups of three or five specimens with contrasting foliage, such as the dark purple leaves of certain Ninebark cultivars or blue-needled conifers. This contrast highlights the clear pink flowers of the ‘Aphrodite’ cultivar beautifully.
