These are from two small trees that have been at the lake house since the mid-50s, way before we bought the place. They get little water, no fertilizer, and bloom most of the summer. Deer don't bother them. Easy to root. Anyone know what they are, other than native hibiscus?

Are they Rose of Sharon?? I grow some and they are shrubby or tree like. I am sure someone else will know. That is a pretty color. If it is RoS, some of them can be a bit weedy. I think mine must be sterile because I have never found a baby.

Thanks, Zazinnia, they are from two different trees and slightly different colors and size of blooms. I have taken cuttings of the two and been able to root them at home. The deer don't bother them for some unknown reason. They don't get supplemental water. Have survived freezes each winter and very little rain in the summer. I never appreciated them until I started collecting tropical hibiscus. They are finicky!

Yep, definitely Rose of Sharon. There is one we planted by my gf's grave in the early 60's that is still there . It doesn't get any supplemental water . They are very very hardy
The pieces I started from that one are still around and the same color as yours

Rose of Sharon. Seeing as they' re single blooms they really should not be sterile, especially not that age of a plant. The doubles are sterile. If the grounds are cleared in a large radius around them, maybe the babies get are periodically getting cut down. Any one wanting to root Rose of Sharon can try this. Springtime try to take the least woody growth at the bottom. Leaves on branch but no blooms. Dip in rooting hormone, or use Willow water or hydrogen peroxide in water for watering. Put in sandy potting mix, put in good shade, keep soil moist. If it starts to grow, keep in shade, water regularly after a month water with very diluted Miracle Grow. Before freezes put in ground. If it doesn't grow do not give up! Keep watering. I have had them root without any signs of life. In fall check for roots, if you have roots, plant in ground. Sometimes I have only gotten 1 out of 4 or 5 to root. Your successes in rooting are great! Many blessings for your success and a wonderful summer!

Yes they are Rose of Sharon. I have a plant as old as yours but it's pure white and very fertile with seeds! I love the pure white color and so many blooms!