September 7, 2015

Plant of the Week: Orchid Satin Rose of Sharon

Orchid Satin rose of Sharon from Proven Winners

We've had a relatively hot, humid stretch of weather here in Michigan. Our friends in the deep South are laughing at our discomfort, but we're not used to 90°F. Plants can get cranky in the heat, too. One groups that seems to love it, though, is Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon).

These tough plants will take heat, dry conditions, and general "we're on vacation" neglect and keep looking great. Orchid Satin® Hibiscus is one of our newer varieties. The beautiful flowers are not just for show; bees and butterflies love them, too. This new variety has the added advantage of being sterile, so you won't have pesky seedlings littering the landscape.

Like other Hibiscus syriacus, Orchid Satin rose of Sharon will do best in full sun and is hardy to USDA Zone 5. I've seen them growing further north but suspect that it is reseeding from year to year. You won't need to worry about that with a sterile variety like Orchid Satin, Azurri Blue Satin® or Sugar Tip® roses of Sharon. All have good deer-resistance.

This variety will grow 8-12' tall and wide. If you need something smaller, check out the Lil' Kim™ varieties, which stay 3-4' tall and wide.

Orchid Satin rose of Sharon from Proven Winners
Orchid Satin rose of Sharon is sterile.

Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles.

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