Sugar Tip^® Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus

We have 9 of the Sugar Tip Rose of Sharon. Only one gave us a problem & replaced it last year. It’s already 2 feet tall & budding profusely as the others are. One flower has popped out, so I’m sure a ton more are coming shortly. We couldn’t be happier. The others are 6’-7’& 4’ or more wide. Our hummingbirds, moths, & butterflies are constantly around them. Great customer service last year when we had to replace the one. This company & it’s bushes are a Winner in our opinion!

I order many flowers on line. This, however, is the first time from Home Depot/PW - normally I use Amazon or the nursery directly. I just received the plant. The box was crushed, the plant was about 3" tall with a few yellow leaves, the dirt was all over the inside of the plastic the plant came in, and the soil was dry. I have planted it and hope it will grow, but am doubtful because of the condition of the plant.. Very disappointed and will not order from PW again.

Absolutely gorgeous shrub. NOT a semi-dwarf they claim-mine are over 12 feet now since I have only ever pruned for cross branching, never for height control (will be cutting back this winter to lower height). Blooms in August and September in eastern Pa (zone 6). I get comments all the time about its beauty (planted out front of home at edge of property in full sun all day). Flowers are double and nice light pink with dark wine center. Not a cut flower, however, since branches are thick-like most shrubs do not last in vase. No issues with disease. Never fertilized (planted in garden at edge of grassy area) but grows and grows. Never needs watering other than rain we have, really a self-sustaining plant-just the kind I love-plant it and let it grow with no maintenance (does drop flowers around on grass area so can appear messy but I usually suck them up when grass cutting next to them-others drop into garden ). Does not reseed as they say (sterile). Normal R of S can be a nightmare due to reseeding requiring maintenance. Only have 2 but if I had the room, would have a hedge of these. The variagation of leaves is slight (along edge) and looks great up close but not really that noticable from a distance. Looks nice with the dahlias I underplant since they bloom together. Allows underplanting due to shape. I have a considerable number of blooming shrubs and this is one of the best.

It has very dense foliage, very few flowers but never seems to grow any taller. Disappointed. The plant is several years old, so it is well established. Any ideas? If it doesn't grow this year, it will likely be replaced.

Have blogged about this plant twice at my blog, gardendaze I like it so much. It's a strong grower, and beautuful even when not in bloom!