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Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana'

Phonetic Spelling
hi-BIS-kus seer-ee-AY-kus
Description

‘Diana’ rose of Sharon is a large deciduous shrub in the Malvaceae (mallow) family. It matures to a height of 5 to 8 feet and a width of 4 to 6 feet, so consider its space requirement when identifying its planting location. Its pure white flowers with no eye are tubular in shape and bloom in summer. Despite its name, rose of Sharon is not related to roses at all.

Plant in locations that receive full sun to partial shade and that have clay or loamy soil with good drainage and high in organic matter. It is a low-maintenance plant and has a medium growth rate. The plant is triploid, which means it does not produce seed. Rose of Sharon tolerates summer heat and humidity and wet sites and is resistant to black walnut rot. It is mildly resistant to deer damage.

The plant tolerates pruning, but when pruning, keep in mind that flowers will appear on new growth. Its flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies and bees so use it in a pollinator or naturalized garden. Plant multiples for use as a privacy screen or hedge.

Quick ID Hints:

  • large, tropical looking, 5-petaled flowers
  • erect, spreading habit with upright branches
  • 3-lobed leaves are 2-4 inches long
  • simple, alternate, coarsely toothed leaves
  • 5-valved, dehiscent capsule persists thru winter

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Hibiscus syriacus.

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Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#deciduous#heat tolerant#white flowers#nectar plant#specialized bees#privacy#deer resistant#large flowers#pollinator plant#humidity tolerant#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#hedge#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#deciduous#heat tolerant#white flowers#nectar plant#specialized bees#privacy#deer resistant#large flowers#pollinator plant#humidity tolerant#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#hedge#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hibiscus
    Species:
    syriacus
    Family:
    Malvaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Wildlife Value:
    Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis. Flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Black Walnut
    Dimensions:
    Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Multi-stemmed
    Vase
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Hollyhock-like, 5-petaled
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Rhomboidal
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Medium green, glossy
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Hedge
    Screen/Privacy
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Heat
    Humidity
    Wet Soil