How to Grow Rose of Sharon 'Lavender Double'
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Rose of Sharon 'Lavender Double'
Hibiscus syriacus 'Lavender Double'
shrubRose of Sharon 'Lavender Double' is a deciduous flowering shrub prized for its large, fully double lavender-purple blooms with darker centers that appear throughout late summer and fall. This cultivar is a vigorous, upright grower that reaches 8-12 feet tall and provides reliable, long-lasting color when many other plants are fading. It's an excellent choice for hedges, borders, and specimen plantings in temperate gardens.
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Example Rose of Sharon 'Lavender Double' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rose of Sharon 'Lavender Double'
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 'Lavender Double'
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; most vigorous in zones 6-8
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Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung shrub with limited branching, herbaceous green stems, and minimal flowering in first year
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Stake if needed for support in windy locations. Do not fertilize heavily; apply balanced slow-release fertilizer sparingly.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through mid-summer (4-5 months)Stems lignify and branch profusely, creating dense foliage with serrated, lance-shaped leaves. Plant fills out its natural form.
Prune in early spring to shape and encourage bushiness. Remove any dead or crossing branches. Maintain consistent watering during growing season.
Bud Formation
Mid to late summer (4-6 weeks)Flower buds develop at the stem terminals as days shorten in late summer. Buds are visible as small, rounded structures on leaf axils.
Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers; apply phosphorus-rich bloom fertilizer. Maintain steady moisture. Do not prune during this stage.
Flowering
8-12 weeksLarge (3-5 inch), fully double lavender-purple flowers open continuously from August through October. Blooms have prominent stamens in the center and velvety petals.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water consistently; blooms drop if soil is too dry or inconsistent. Monitor for spider mites in hot, dry conditions.
Dormancy
November through MarchLeaves yellow and drop in fall; stems become woody and dormant. Plant appears bare through winter.
No fertilizing or heavy pruning. Light pruning of dead wood acceptable. Mulch base to protect roots in cold zones. Water occasionally if winter is unusually dry.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticides or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity and avoid drought stress.
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Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal spray if infestation is heavy.
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain good air circulation.
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Remove by hand or with pruning; apply horticultural oil during dormant season; use systemic insecticide if severe.
Uses
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe large, showy double blooms are excellent for fresh floral arrangements and last several days in a vase. Harvest in early morning when flowers are fully open. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping & Hedging
HouseholdRose of Sharon is ideal for creating summer-blooming hedges, specimen plantings, and mixed borders. Its long flowering season extends color into fall when few shrubs are blooming. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations during late summer and early fall. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalRose of Sharon flowers and leaves have been used in traditional Asian medicine for immune support and anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific validation is ongoing. [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 is not harvested for food or material. Deadhead spent flowers throughout blooming season to encourage more blooms. Cut flowers can be enjoyed in arrangements by harvesting stems in the morning with fully open blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rose of Sharon is the national flower of South Korea and is known as 'Mugunghwa' in Korean, symbolizing the Korean spirit of perseverance.
- 🌱 The 'double' in the cultivar name refers to the fully doubled petals (extra layers of petals instead of a single row), creating a rose-like or peony-like appearance rather than the typical hibiscus single-flower form.
- 🌱 Rose of Sharon can self-seed readily if not deadheaded, and the resulting seedlings may revert to single-flowered forms or different colors—a trait that has made controlled hybridization challenging for breeders.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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