How to Grow Rose of Sharon Purple Double
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Rose of Sharon Purple Double
Hibiscus syriacus 'Purple Double'
shrubRose of Sharon Purple Double is a deciduous flowering shrub prized for its large, showy double purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer through fall. This cultivar produces full, ruffled blooms that resemble peonies and adds vibrant color to landscapes when many other plants are fading. It's a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that tolerates poor soil and heat exceptionally well.
When should you plant Rose of Sharon Purple Double in your zone?
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Example Rose of Sharon Purple Double timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rose of Sharon Purple 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 Purple Double
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rose of Sharon Purple Double dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; blooms best in warmer regions
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Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung plant develops root system and produces limited foliage and few or no flowers
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning. Shelter from strong winter winds in cold zones.
Vegetative Growth (Early Summer)
4-6 weeksPlant leafs out fully with green foliage; buds begin forming on branch tips
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Monitor for pests.
Flowering (Mid-Summer to Fall)
12-16 weeksLarge double purple flowers with ruffled petals bloom prolifically along branches; flowers may be 3-4 inches across
Continue deadheading for extended bloom. Water during hot, dry periods. Fertilize monthly with bloom booster formula if desired.
Late Season Decline (Fall)
6-8 weeksFlowering slows, foliage yellows and drops; plant enters dormancy
Reduce watering as growth slows. Do not fertilize. Stop deadheading to allow hips to form.
Dormancy (Winter)
12-16 weeks depending on zonePlant is completely bare; stems are visible and brown or gray
Prune in late winter (February-March) before bud break, removing dead wood and shaping plant. No watering needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning, use insecticidal soap, introduce nematodes, or apply spinosad; avoid traps near valued plants
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce ladybugs
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply miticide or neem oil if severe
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spinosad spray
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No cure; remove and destroy infected plants; control rose rosette eriophyid mites with miticides
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe flowers are edible and can be used as garnish in salads, desserts, or beverages. Flowers have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and add visual drama to culinary presentations. [source]
Traditional Herbal Tea
MedicinalHibiscus flowers have been used in traditional medicine to make tea believed to support heart health and lower blood pressure. The flowers contain antioxidants and may have diuretic properties. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdLarge, showy double purple blooms are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and last several days in a vase. Their vibrant color and full form make them focal flowers in bouquets. [source]
Pressed Flowers & Drying
CraftDouble flowers can be pressed or dried for use in craft projects, scrapbooking, or floral art. The petals retain color reasonably well when dried. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeFlowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing late-season nectar when many other plants have finished blooming. The prolonged bloom period is especially valuable for pollinators preparing for migration. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for fruit or foliage. Cut blooms for fresh arrangements in early morning when flowers are fully open. Cut stems at 45-degree angle just above leaf node to encourage branching.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rose of Sharon is called 'Rose of Sharon' despite not being a rose at all; it's a hibiscus and is native to Asia, not the Middle East. The biblical 'Rose of Sharon' remains botanically unidentified.
- 🌱 The 'Purple Double' cultivar produces sterile double flowers, meaning they do not produce viable seeds, but this also means they bloom continuously without seed pod formation draining energy from flower production.
- 🌱 Rose of Sharon is the national flower of South Korea and holds significant cultural importance in Korean gardens and traditions for centuries.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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