| We moved into our home in Aud. '99. Now in Aug. '00 we have seen everything at some stage. The previous owner was an elderly who could not keep up with the yard. I believe a tall, spindly hibiscus needs attention. I grew up in Florida where the hibiscus looked very different: tall and full. Ours is tall and spindly. It this the nature of the shrub in the mid-Atlantic? It has a few lovely pink flowers. I want more blooms and fuller greenery. Last fall, when I didn't know what it was I gave it 1 TBS. of ozmocote for each foot of growth and mulched it about 2" deep. We have had an exceptionally wet summer. What plan do you suggest for the continued care to get more blooms and a bit more greenery. It is already tall enough....about 8 feet tall. |
| Hibiscus syriacus, also called Shrub Althea or Rose-of-Sharon, is root hardy to -20F. This shrub is valued for the large flowers produced in mid-to late summer when few other shrubs are in bloom. The plant grows in sun or partial shade and in any soil. Rose-of-Sharon grows 8 to 10 feet tall and spreads 6 to 10 feet. The growth rate ranges from slow to moderate, and transplanting is easy. The single or double flowers are in shades of red, pink, white and purple, depending on the cultivar. Peak bloom takes place in August. Prune in late winter or early spring. Frequent severe pruning gives fewer but larger flowers; no or little pruning gives many small flowers. These shrubs can withstand even heavy pruning if necessary, and yours sounds like a candidate for some renewal pruning. The best time to cut it back is in the winter while they are dormant. |
