Rose of Sharon
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Malvaceae
Genus:	Hibiscus
Species:	H. syriacus
Binomial name
H. syriacus L.
Synonyms
Althaea frutex Hort. ex Mill.

Hibiscus syriacus is a widely cultivated ornamental shrub in the genus Hibiscus. Common names include Rose of Sharon (especially in North America), Shrub Althea, and Rose of Althea.

Contents 1 Growth 2 National flower 3 Characteristics 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Growth

It is a flowering shrub in the plant family Malvaceae native to much of Asia. It is vase-shaped, reaching 2-4 m in height. It is widely planted in areas with hot summers for its very attractive white, pink, red, lavender, or purple edible flowers. Individual flowers are short lived, lasting only a day. However, numerous flower buds are produced on the shrub's new growth, which provide prolific flowering over a long summer blooming period (July-September). Shoots make interesting indoor vase cuttings as they stay green for a long time. ^[1] Some new flowers may open from the more mature flower buds. The species has naturalized very well in many suburban areas, and might even be termed slightly invasive, so frequently does it seed around.

[edit] National flower

Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea. The flower appears in national emblems, and Korea is compared poetically to the flower in the South Korean national anthem.^[2] The flower's name in Korean is mugunghwa (Hangul: 무궁화; Hanja: 無窮花). The flower's symbolic significance stems from the Korean word mugung, meaning "immortality".

[edit] Characteristics

Hibiscus syriacus is a popular ornamental shrub with many cultivars including 'Diana', 'Lady Stanley', 'Ardens', 'Lucy', and 'Blushing Bride' (photo below).

Hibiscus syriacus is fairly easily propagated from either seeds, layering, or cuttings.^[3]

[edit] References

• Bailey, L. H. (2005). Manual of Gardening (Second Edition).. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. 
• Curtis, William (2006). The Botanical Magazine, Vol. 3. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. 

[edit] External links

• How to Grow a Rose of Sharon
• Rose Of Sharon Photo Gallery

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hibiscus syriacus