Althea, also known as Rose of Sharon or Hibiscus syriacus, is a popular blooming woody shrub in cold hardiness zones 5 to 8. Altheas love the heat and blooms in the summer as many other plants are winding down their flowering season.

Is Althea same as Rose of Sharon?

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), also known as shrub althea, is a very common deciduous shrub that is grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. It gains its name from the blooms, which some people find reminiscent of the prolific blooming pattern of shrub roses.

How fast do Althea trees grow?

Arbor Day Foundation notes that Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) grows up to 24 inches each year until it reaches its mature height of 8 to 12 feet. Also called althea plant or shrub althaea, Rose of Sharon sports showy single or double flowers that bloom in summer.

Should I prune my althea?

At the beginning of spring, towards February-March, it is time to prune your althea. Early spring pruning still gives the shrub time to produce flowers in the summer of that same year. Althea blooms on new growth, so you can prune every year.

Will althea grow in shade?

Double Althea does best in full sun; however, it can do well with partial shade. You should have plenty of room for your althea to grow because these plants like to spread. Each one needs at least 6 feet of space around it to allow ample room for expansion.

How do you plant althea?

Althea, or rose of Sharon, can be planted in spring or fall. When planting, dig a large hole and make sure you have plenty of loose soil on hand to fill the hole. It’s a good idea to amend the planting soil with compost and water to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Is althea deciduous?

Althea is a deciduous, ornamental shrub, more commonly referred to as the Rose of Sharon. This shrub produces beautiful blush pink blooms in the summer which look particularly stunning when planted in groups. It exhibits a slow to moderate growth rate and reaches a height of about 15 feet and a spread of about 12 feet.

Is Althea plant deer resistant?

Grow the Rose of Sharon in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist well-drained soil but is drought tolerant once established. It’s hardy in zones 5 to 9, tends to be deer resistant and tolerates the black walnut’s toxic juglone.

Does rose of Sharon have invasive roots?

However, they can grow up to 12 feet high and can spread out, so rose of Sharon should not be planted close to septic tanks or drainpipes. Though its red, pink, white or purple flowers can be vibrant and beautiful, rose of Sharon is considered to be an invasive plant.

Is Althea same as Hibiscus?

Shrub forms of hardy hibiscus, botanically known as Hibiscus syriacus, are commonly called rose of Sharon or althea. Like tropical hibiscus, they have woody stems and a bushy form.

How tall does a Rose of Sharon Bush get?

The rose-of-sharon grows to a height of 8–12′ and a spread of 6–10′ at maturity.

How do I prune Althea Rose of Sharon?

Thin out branches which block sunlight or prevent air circulation through the plant. Remove weak branches further down and only prune back healthy branches to the node which allows the desired appearance. As a rule of thumb, allow 8 to 12 inches (20-31 cm.) between inner branches for the best flowering display.