How to Grow Rose of Sharon 'Blue Bird'
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Rose of Sharon 'Blue Bird'
Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Bird'
shrubRose of Sharon 'Blue Bird' is a deciduous flowering shrub known for its striking lavender-blue flowers with a deep red center. This cultivar produces abundant blooms from mid-summer through fall, making it an excellent choice for adding color to gardens during the warm months. It's a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in most climates and soil conditions.
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Example Rose of Sharon 'Blue Bird' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rose of Sharon 'Blue Bird'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Rose of Sharon 'Blue Bird'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9; best performance in zones 6-8
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Establishment
2-3 monthsRecently planted shrub with small, tender growth; leaf emergence occurs as temperatures warm in spring
Water deeply and regularly; mulch to conserve moisture; avoid fertilizer for first 4-6 weeks; stake if necessary in windy locations
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks in springShrub leafs out fully with vigorous branching; stems elongate and thicken; no flowers yet
Maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly; remove any crossed or damaged branches; thin crowded growth
Bud Formation
2-4 weeks before first bloomsFlower buds appear at branch tips; plant continues to produce new growth and buds throughout summer
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; increase phosphorus to support flowering (use 5-10-10 formula); maintain consistent watering; remove any diseased growth
Flowering
8-12 weeks (mid-summer to frost)Abundant lavender-blue flowers with dark red/maroon centers open sequentially; plant remains in near-continuous bloom
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; continue regular watering; maintain low-nitrogen fertilizer if needed; monitor for pests
Dormancy
4-5 months (November-March)Leaves turn yellow and drop in fall; plant enters complete dormancy for winter; branches appear bare
Stop fertilizing; reduce watering significantly; prune in late winter (February-March) while still dormant; remove dead wood and shape plant as needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning; use pheromone traps; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; avoid trap placement near plants you want to protect
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings
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Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; apply horticultural oil or neem oil; ensure plants are not water-stressed
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Remove infested branches; apply dormant oil spray in late winter; use horticultural oil during growing season
Uses
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftThe lavender-blue flowers with distinctive red centers make excellent fresh-cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements. Cut stems in early morning when flowers are fully open; they can last 1-2 weeks in a vase with fresh water. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeRose of Sharon blooms attract numerous pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for supporting local insect and bird populations. The extended bloom season (mid-summer to frost) provides a late-season nectar source when many other plants have finished flowering. [source]
Ornamental landscaping
HouseholdAs an attractive, low-maintenance deciduous shrub with stunning blue flowers, it serves as an excellent focal point in gardens, hedgerows, borders, and specimen plantings. Its upright growth habit (typically 8-10 feet tall) makes it suitable for small to medium landscapes. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalHibiscus species have been used in traditional medicine in various cultures, with potential health benefits attributed to antioxidants and other compounds found in flowers and leaves. However, consult healthcare providers before any medicinal use. [source]
Edible flowers
CulinaryRose of Sharon flowers are technically edible and can be used as an ornamental garnish for beverages or desserts, though their primary value is ornamental. Ensure no pesticides have been applied if using for consumption. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Rose of Sharon 'Blue Bird' is an ornamental shrub; deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms and extends the flowering season. Remove flowers by hand or with pruning shears just below the flower base. If you wish to collect seeds, allow some flowers to mature into seed pods and harvest in fall when pods begin to dry and split.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rose of Sharon is the national flower of South Korea and is called 'Mugunghwa,' meaning 'immortal flower' in Korean, symbolizing the spirit of the Korean people.
- 🌱 'Blue Bird' is notable for its deep lavender-blue color with a striking crimson eye, making it one of the most colorful cultivars available; the exact shade deepens and becomes more vibrant as the flower matures.
- 🌱 Despite being called 'Rose of Sharon,' this plant is not actually a rose but rather a hibiscus native to Asia; it earned its common name from a biblical reference and its rose-like flowers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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