18 Rose of Sharon Varieties That Add Drama to Your Garden 

Rose of Sharon varieties are the common hibiscus shrubs or small tree that blooms with beautiful red, pink, white, lilac, or light blue stunning flowers. Despite its name, this shrub is not a true rose; it’s a member of the Mallow family Malvaceae.

Other names used for this plant are Korean rose, Chinese hibiscus, Althea tree, or Rose mallow.  Here are some of the popular rose of Sharon varieties you can add to your landscape. 

A Detailed List of Rose of Sharon Varieties

1. Aphrodite

The Aphrodite is a cultivar developed by the National Arboretum and it is also called the Hibiscus Syrias’ Aphrodite. It is a romantic version of the Minerva variety. It is a bright romantic plant that needs a small space to grow and is ideal for growing in pots.  

– Features

It features ruffled, thick petaled clear pink single flowers with a dark red central patch. Likewise, it has bright yellow stamens that make the flowers light up your garden. The flower heads are relatively large, measuring about four inches in diameter.

– Size 

The plant is small, growing to about ten feet tall and about two meters wide. However, most of these plants only get to six inches maximum. It tends to remain small throughout its growing season.

– Growing Requirements

Aphrodite grows in USDA zones five to nine under full sun and partial shade in well-drained soils. As it grows in these requirements, it would thrive if you additionally place it in a location where it will receive full amount of sun. 

2. Bluebird 

Bluebird is one of the best-known and mostly propagated rose of Sharon variety or from the Syriac hibiscus kinds. It is a vibrant, award-winning variety that is mildly resistant to deer damage, and this is one of the reasons why a lot of people would plant it, knowing that no deer is going to bite the flowers.  

– Features 

Bluebird has deep and bright violet-blue color with purple centers. The central pistil is white, setting off the bright colors. The flower heads are about three inches wide and look outstanding against the rich emerald-green foliage. They bloom in summer, making them one of the rare blue flowers this season.

– Size 

Bluebird is a small plant, growing to a mature height of about six to eight feet and two feet wide. It does well in pots and small spaces, because it will mature all the way.

– Growing Requirements

This variety thrives in USDA hardiness zones five through nine under full sun and partial shade. The shade should only be for the afternoon sun that is too hot. This plant must be placed in a moist soil that is also well-draining at the same time. You will see it bloom in the months of August till October.

3. Blue Chiffon

The blue chiffon is an excellent flowering shrub that showcases its lighter shade blue color in late summer and early autumn, when most flowers have stopped blooming. This variety is a winner of the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. 

– Features 

Blue Chiffon is a gorgeous double variety that has blue petals. The outer ones however, are broad and round, while the inner ones are small, elongated, and thinner, just like a chiffon. The larger petals are star-shaped with a purple pattern. The stamen and pistils are a white setting of the blue sky color so well. 

– Size 

This shrub grows to a mature size of eight to twelve feet tall and six feet wide. It is slightly bigger than most varieties.  

– Growing Requirements

Blue Chiffon is easy to grow in USDA hardiness zones five to nine as long as you provide full sun. You must water it when the soil is almost dry, as it should stay somewhat moist, but don’t forget that it has to have an alkaline soil in order to prosper.

4. Blueberry Smoothie Hibiscus Syriacus

The blueberry smoothie is a vigorous-growing bush with a good branching habit. It always looks neat since it doesn’t flop. It has upright solid branches and many side branches. Not only that, but it is native to China and India because it grows so well in those climates.  

– Features  

Blueberry smoothie has rich green and glossy foliage that has a smooth surface. They have a crisp tapering base with a broad end shaped into three distinct, rounded lobes. The rich green glossy color remains so through all the seasons except fall when they turn yellow. 

This variety has double flowers blue, growing upright with a spreading habit with multiple stems. It blooms from early June in warmer states and continues to late fall ending only after the first hard frost.

– Size

Blueberry smoothie is a small plant growing up to about six feet tall. It grows rapidly after planting under full sun and partial shade to reach maturity within one year.  

– Growing Requirements

This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones five through eight. Note that it can tolerate partial shade, but it would do better when it is under full sun. Nonetheless, it would also tolerate dry soil as well, but again, it would do way better when the soil is kept moist and not soggy with water. 

5. Diana Hibiscus

Diana is also known as snow white Diana because it is an exclusive rose of Sharon cultivar. It is a perfect flower in your garden if you prefer all-white flowers that are large and bloom vibrantly.

This variety has won the Great Britain Award for Garden Merit Plant, and it is a loved and a popular flower. The Diana variety is a tall plant compared to other rose varieties maturing up to 12 feet tall and eight feet wide. 

– Features 

Diana is an all-white flower! It has pure white petals and no central purple at all. It has a white pistil and stamens complex too. Not only that, but it has single flowers that are mainly, reaching up to six inches wide. This plant has triangular lobed, leathery, dark green leaves that are a breathtaking backdrop for the white flowers.  

– Growth Requirements

Diana thrives in USDA hardiness zones five to nine when grown under full sun or partial shade in scorching areas. 

6. Hibiscus Syriacus ‘Marina

Marina is also known as Blue stain in some nurseries. It is a unique cultivar due to its appearance and color. This plant has an average height, reaching up to ten feet tall and six feet wide when mature.  

– Features

Marina or blue stain has a small purple center with thin rays that streak the royal blue petals, that would be a mix of both blue and hues of lavender color.

It has single elegant flowers that are well proportioned with a light yellow pistil along the stamen, drawing attention to the center of this gorgeous flower. 

– Growth Requirements

Marina tolerates salty soils and drought, thriving in USDA hardiness zones five to nine. It prefers full sun or partial shade in places that are too hot. Nonetheless, it needs a thorough irrigation when it is blooming, but make sure that you do not over-water it, just ensure that it stays humid. 

7. Minerva

Minerva is a classic plant in the rose of Sharon varieties. It is a showy variety that looks as bright as the sun, giving your garden such sunny vibes.   

– Features

Minerva has bright and showy flowers featuring lavender magenta colors that are just eye-catching. The central eye is bright red, accenting the overall effect. 

The stamens are yellow, and the pistil pale, making the flower even lighter. It is a single flower with heads growing up to at least three inches wide. 

– Size 

This plant is a little taller than the most rose of Sharon plants maturing to ten feet tall and six feet wide. These plants look lovely in the sun.

– Growth Requirements

Minerva variety thrives in hardiness zones five through nine. It is best grown under the full sun for at least six hours and in partial shade from the afternoon sun.

Nonetheless, you must make sure that the soil of this plant is rich in the organic material and fertile, but at the same time, that it is not clay-like, but more of having proper drainage.

8. Lavender Chiffon Rose of Sharon

Lavender chiffon is a stunning double flower in shades of lavender borne in this excellent deciduous shrub. The size of this plant is fairly small and can be placed in a patio container or in a mixed shrub border that grows to a height of 10 inches tall and eight inches wide.

– Features 

Lavender chiffon has flowers that feature flowers that have subtle red veins that radiate into light purple petals. It has a nicely rounded multi-stemmed growth frequency, and you can grow it as a tree by pruning out all the extra branches except one that you will grow out and become a tree. It grows as a full plant for large shrub borders or screens if left un-pruned.  

– Growth Requirements 

Lavender chiffon has a good tolerance for complex conditions like high humidity, urban pollution, and salty air. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones five through nine under full sun and partial shade. Make sure that the soil is not too dry in between watering sessions, because this would stress the plant so much.

– Uses 

The flowers of lavender chiffon can be infused to make a mildly citrus-flavored tea. You can add petals to fruit salads. This tea has its healing properties, such as healing the inflammation or different types of abdominal pains.

9. Lil Kim

Lil Kim is another dwarf variety of rose of Sharon that is a compact and vase-shaped deciduous plant. It is an elegant plant with profusely showy blooms that stand out all through summer and fall.

This plant grows in an upright habit, maturing to a height of four feet and at least one foot wide. It is best for growing in small spaces where you want to be vibrant with flowers.

– Features 

The flowers are the same as the classical purple heart, only that the purple patches extend rays almost to the end of the white petals. The single flowers are white with a dark red or purple center. The flowers bloom through summer and fall, but every flower lasts three days and dies.  

– Growth Requirements

Lil Kim is a hardy hibiscus that thrives in areas with full sun and partial shade from the afternoon sun. The best USDA zones are five through nine, where the soil would be one that does not let water sit on top of it, as it is a proper draining one, this is because when water is kept, the roots would get damaged

10. Hibiscus Syriacus Lucy

Lucy is a variety with a showy personality, with its gorgeous shades of light maroon, yet dark purple colors. This variety has a bright and deep magenta shade that is just breathtaking. It originates from China and India and is the national flower of Korea. 

– Features 

Lucy features double flowers that look like real roses from a distance. These flowers are double red-pink, about four inches in diameter. They have extra petals that create a peony-like effect. It blooms from mid-summer to fall but does not produce seeds. 

– Growth Requirements

Lucy is a hardy variety growing in USDA hardiness zones five through eight under full sun. Note that this variety is probably one of the easiest ones that you can grow, as it would tolerate average fertile soils, and would still survive in the drought of the summer heat.

As the proper conditions are met, this deciduous shrub matures at eight to twelve feet tall and six feet wide. This shrub best grows in gardens; if you choose to use pots, you will need a good-sized pot. 

11. Orchid Satin

Orchid satin is a pretty new rose of Sharon cultivar that is highly sought after. It produces medium to large shrubs. It blooms quite late in the season, almost being the last autumn flower still vibrant. This plant is an average grower, growing to a mature height of eight to twelve feet tall and four to six feet wide.

– Features 

Orchid satin bears large single pink blooms with a red eye or middle. It has large heads reaching up to five inches wide and is very showy. The petals are a faint beautiful lavender pink that you can think are white from afar. 

It blooms from mid-summer to the end of autumn or the first frost. It produces no seeds, which is a huge plus if you don’t like pulling out unwanted seedlings. The flowers attract many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, and birds, by attracting them, the blooming process of this plant and the surrounding ones will be prosperous. 

– Growth Requirements

Orchid satin thrives in hardy and prefers to grow under full sun in USDA hardiness zones five through nine. Note that it does not need pruning to retain its shape and size. However, it needs to be placed in proper sun for more than six hours so that it thrives, although it can tolerate partial shades of sun as well. 

12. Pink Hibiscus 

The pink chiffon variety is a busy deciduous shrub famous for its large, soft, semi-double flowers. If you want to create a romantic feel in your garden, it’s best to go for this cultivar. This variety is average in height maturing at six to eight feet tall and six to ten feet wide.  

– Features 

Like its name, the pink cultivar has large very hot pink flowers adorned with dark veins in the center. They bloom continuously from mid-summer to fall, each flower lasting one day. The green foliage and broadly ovate leaves are a good background that makes these flowers stand out about three inches across. 

This flower would easily bring pollinators around the garden, and they would use the hibiscus pollen in order to use, and this would be an amazing advantage to see the garden blooming with bees as helpers.

– Growth Requirements

Pink variety thrives under the full sun for at least six hours or partial shade from the harsh afternoon sun in USDA hardiness zones five through nine. When growing this hibiscus, remember that the soil that it will be sitting in must be very organic and rich in nutrients and minerals.

13. Pink Chiffon

This is the most romantic of all the rose of Sharon plants, because it is light in color and looks very grateful when it blooms. This should be your first choice if you want that summer vibe for your garden. 

– Features 

This semi-double flower features a pastel pink shade that instantly makes you fall in love. The petals are round but very delicate, with thin gloves, almost like paper. 

It has ruffled petals at the center that resembles paper strips. On the other hand, the pistil is relatively short compared to other hibiscus and white, and this is why it is a special variety. 

– Growth Requirements 

Pink chiffon will do well in USDA hardiness zones five through nine under the full sun if you want to get the best blooms. It is an average hibiscus growing to about eight to twelve feet tall and three to four feet wide. It can grow in gardens and pots successfully. 

14. Purple Heart

Purple heart is a classic variety that is common in most gardens. It is famous for its striking color contrast for its petals. You can plant it next to other flowers that pick up unique shades for that color combination. 

– Features 

The purple heart has white flowers with a rich purple shade at the center. These single flowers are well-shaped with a tip at the end, making them stylish and showy.

They are large, about four inches across, so you can’t miss them. It is called as the “Purple Heart,” because inside the petals of this flower a different or a darker shade of purple draws a heart.

– Growth Requirements

Purple Heart variety does well under full sun, thriving in USDA hardiness zones five through nine. It needs organic and a well draining soil in order to thrive, also remember to place these flowers in a location where they will receive full sun. When provided with the proper growing requirements, this plant grows and reaches a height of eight to twelve feet tall and six feet wide.  

15. Purple Satin

Purple satin is a deciduous shrub known for its deep purple single flowers. These blooms add a luxurious richness to your garden. This average plant grows to about eight to twelve feet tall and six to eight feet wide.

– Features 

The purple satin blooms are deep purple with a dark red accent in the center. It blooms continuously from mid-summer to the end of fall, with each flower lasting only a day.

The green foliage acts as a breathtaking background to these flowers. After the blooms, this plant does not produce seeds and thus won’t get invasive.

– Growth Requirements 

This plant is tolerant to heat and drought, thriving in USDA hardiness zones five through nine under full sun. On another note, remember to keep the soil moist, because when the soil is left dry, the plant will have a difficulty to bloom its flowers. Note that you must irrigate it properly, but make sure that soil water would drain well.

16. Red Heart 

The red heart is a classic companion of the famous purple heart. This cultivar has earned an Award of Garden Merit. The red heart grows to an average height of about eight to ten feet and six feet wide. 

– Features 

The red heart rose of Sharon has dark green lobed foliage that provides a perfect backdrop for the bright flowers.

Although the flowers have white petals with a red center to deep magenta, and they draw a heart with the red part of the pigment. These single flowers bloom in late summer into autumn. They are marked with gorgeous darker blotches at the base of the petals.  

– Growth Requirements

This plant will thrive under a sheltered position in full sun, growing in USDA hardiness zones five through eight. Remember that if the soil is left dry, it will still thrive, but make sure that it is kept moist.

17. Sugar Tip 

Sugar tip is another rose of Sharon variety grown for its blooms and attractive foliage. It is a semi-dwarf bushy deciduous shrub. You must note that it is a semi-dwarf shrub that matures at five to six feet and is four to five feet wide. 

– Features

The sugar tip has medium green leaves that sport bright gold edging. When in bloom, the double pink flowers beautifully contrast the gold.

These flowers are soft pink and fluffy, with more than 40 petals with raspberry hints. Blooming happens from mid-summer to autumn. It does not produce seeds, making it friendly to your garden by not spreading.

– Growth Requirements

Sugar tip thrives under full sun for six to eight, growing in USDA hardiness zones five through nine. In addition, remember to provide proper soiling to the plant as well, as the soil must be fertile.

18. White Chiffon Hibiscus

White chiffon is famous for its elegant look from the double white flowers. It has received the Award of Great Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.  It has a beautiful texture, and color looks vibrant through it, with a graceful feature.

– Features

The white chiffon is a solid double flower with five large outer petals surrounding a center of petaloid stamens. They are large flowers, at least four inches wide.

It blooms continuously throughout summer and autumn, bringing a vibrant look against the green foliage. 

– Growth Requirements

Plant rose under the full sun and partial shade in USDA hardiness zones five through nine. Note that you must water it and keep the soil moist but not soggy. This plant grows in a rounded pattern to reach 8 to 12 feet tall in addition to being four to six feet wide. It is a sterile cultivar that does not produce seeds.

Conclusion 

As you can see, there are many rose of Sharon varieties that you can add to your garden.

But before you do so, here are a few things to consider.

• Flowers are the main reason people are attracted to a particular plant, so choose your colors wisely. 
• Our favorite combinations of Sharon bushes that give a gorgeous color combo include white chiffon, red heart, purple satin, and pink chiffon. The colors merge to create a crazy color bomb. 
• All these hibiscus plants are easy to grow, and you can choose to keep them growing into a tree or shrub.  
• Each cultivar has its unique qualities, personality, and place. Make sure you choose the best for yourself. 

All these varieties and cultivars have come from the original Sharon hibiscus native to China, many years old. Seeing the white, purple, blue, or pink in all these combinations is interesting.

The single or double flower effect is something we can’t forget as it makes these flowers stand out. The variety ensures there is something for everyone, including you, don’t be left behind!