Funny, I didn't hear the name Althea until I was an adult. It was always Rose of Sharon in my neck of the woods. Either way, it's a lovely strong shrub. I say shrub but mine has been untended for a couple of years and has grown past the roof/gutter line well into my climbing Peggy Martin Rose and Bald Cypress tree. My fault but I just can't bring myself to prune it right now it is so beautiful. This is a little late in the day picture of fierce determination. Also shows the mixed colors on the shrub.
