Rose of Sharon, Aphrodite Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite' Height: 12 feet Spread: 10 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4b Other Names: Shrub Althea Description: A tall, stiffly upright shrub with extremely showy flowers throughout summer; flowers are individually beautiful, pink with a deep red center; very adaptable plant, but prefers full sun; this variety is slightly hardier than the species Ornamental Features Rose of Sharon, Aphrodite features bold pink trumpet-shaped flowers with dark red throats along the branches from mid summer to early fall. It has green deciduous foliage. The lobed leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. Landscape Attributes Rose of Sharon, Aphrodite is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics. Rose of Sharon, Aphrodite is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Rose of Sharon, Aphrodite will grow to be about 12 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
