Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'Notwoodtwo' WHITE CHIFFON)
Discover Hibiscus syriacus 'Notwoodtwo' WHITE CHIFFON, a low-maintenance Rose of Sharon with spectacular white, semi-double flowers from June through September.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’ WHITE CHIFFON is a highly desirable deciduous shrub known for its exceptional late-season floral display. This specific cultivar of Rose of Sharon offers dense, bushy growth that supports numerous anemone-like, semi-double pure white flowers beginning in early summer and continuing right into autumn. Its vigorous nature and tolerance for various conditions make the Rose of Sharon a dependable backbone plant in temperate landscapes.
Offering reliable structure and brilliant blooms over a long period, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’ WHITE CHIFFON is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking high aesthetic impact with minimal fuss. It thrives in full sun, handles summer heat and humidity well, and is surprisingly adaptable to tough soils across USDA zones 5 through 8.
This particular variety is valued because it sets little to no seed, minimizing the self-sowing issues sometimes associated with the species. Planting the elegant Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’ WHITE CHIFFON guarantees continuous color when many other shrubs are fading, enhancing borders or serving as a beautiful specimen planting.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Malvaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-8 ft
- Spread: 4-6 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: White (semi-double)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant your Rose of Sharon during the spring or fall dormancy periods. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’ WHITE CHIFFON prefers well-drained soils that receive medium moisture. While it performs best in full sun, it will still flower adequately in partial shade, though bloom density may decrease. It is exceptionally tolerant of poor soils, heat, and urban pollutants.
Water consistently, especially when newly planted, ensuring the medium moisture level is maintained. Once established, this shrub shows good drought resistance. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary unless the soil is extremely poor; rich, organically prepared soil will support robust growth.
Pruning is an important part of maintaining the dense, bushy habit noted for the ‘Notwoodtwo’ selection. Prune in early spring to shape the shrub as desired. For the largest possible blooms, consider cutting the plant back hard to just two or three buds per branch in late winter, though this may slightly delay the bloom cycle.
Landscape Uses
The versatile nature of the Rose of Sharon makes it suitable for numerous landscape roles. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’ WHITE CHIFFON excels as a specimen plant, allowing its vase-shaped habit to shine, or it can be massed to create dense, flowering shrub borders. It functions perfectly as a screen or low hedge due to its upright structure and continuous summer-to-fall blooming.
Consider planting it toward the back of a mixed perennial border where its height can anchor the design. It pairs nicely with late-blooming perennials like Sedum or ornamental grasses that offer contrasting textures. Furthermore, the structural nature of the Rose of Sharon allows it to be trained upward, effectively creating a stunning, informal small tree form near patios or walkways.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The species name Hibiscus syriacus is misleading, as the plant is native to Eastern Asia, not Syria. The white-flowered cultivar ‘Notwoodtwo’, sold as WHITE CHIFFON, boasts a dense, upright habit and produces striking anemone-style flowers with a central cluster of petaloids that last for approximately one day but appear continuously. This specific introduction is desirable because it sets very little seed compared to older varieties.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Clay Soil
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
This shrub generally exhibits low maintenance, but gardeners should monitor for potential fungal issues, including leaf spots, blights, and rusts, particularly where humidity is high or air circulation is poor. Improve air flow through proper pruning. Occasionally, the foliage can attract pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and the notorious Japanese beetle. Japanese beetles must be managed promptly, hand-picking them in the early morning or using targeted treatments, as they can rapidly skeletonize the leaves of your Rose of Sharon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’ WHITE CHIFFON suitable for?
This beautiful Rose of Sharon is hardy and reliably grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Rose of Sharon grow?
Mature height typically ranges between 5 to 8 feet tall, with a spread of 4 to 6 feet wide, maintaining a distinctly upright, vase-shaped habit.
What sun exposure does Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’ WHITE CHIFFON need?
It prefers and flowers best in full sun, though it adapts well to locations receiving part shade.
When does Rose of Sharon bloom?
This cultivar provides extended color, blooming consistently from June all the way through September with semi-double white flowers.
Conclusion
The Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’ WHITE CHIFFON remains a top selection for gardeners needing reliable, extended summer and fall color, backed by low maintenance and excellent tolerance for heat and common soil issues. This unique Rose of Sharon provides elegance through its pure white, semi-double blooms, ensuring visual interest until autumn frost. Before planting this superb shrub, confirm that your site falls within USDA Zones 5-8 and provides adequate sunlight for the best flower production.
Propagation Tips
While wild-type seeds can produce varied colors, obtaining the true ‘Notwoodtwo’ white form requires vegetative propagation. The species is noted as easily propagated by stem cuttings. Take semi-hardwood cuttings later in the season, treating them with rooting hormone, to ensure genetic consistency.
Companion Planting
To create a visually dynamic late-season border, pair the upright structure of the Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’ WHITE CHIFFON with low-mounding, drought-tolerant companions that contrast in texture or color. Ornamental grasses like Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) provide fine texture, while large-leafed hostas (in shadier corners) or large clumps of Sedum spectabile varieties offer complementary structure and color contrast near the base of the white flowers.
