Rubis Althea - Knowledgebase Question

Tropical Plants
Lexington, OH
Question by mburton59
June 4, 2007
I have a Rose of Sharon - Rubis Althea - I know this is a shrub but have seen then pruned so they grow like a tree. I have even seen them with the main stems braided to form the tree trunk. I planted 2 last fall and they are both very small at this time but I would like for them to look like a tree and not a shrub. How do I do this?


Image
Answer from NGA
June 4, 2007

0

 "Rubis" is a named variety of Hibiscus syriacus, the hardy shrub. If left unpruned, these will naturally develop into a tree-like form. Over time, you could accentuate the shaping by gradually removing some of the lower branches. Sometimes, however, pruning is unavoidable if there is extensive winter damage. To minimize the chances of winter damage, plant them in a full sun location with well drained soil and with protection from sweeping winter winds and do not overfertilize. I would not recommend braiding the trunks. I believe this is more commonly seen with the tropical hibiscus, H. rosa-sinensis.

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

Username:

Password:

[ Join now ]

Garden.org Homepage
Help using the site
About
Contact
Terms of Service
Privacy
Corporate Sponsors
Memberlist
Acorns
Links
Ask a Question
Newsletter

© 1972 - 2018 National Gardening Association

Times are presented in US Central Standard Time

Pinterest
Facebook
Youtube
Twitter
Instagram

Today's site banner is by krobra and is called "Lantana Dew Drops"