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Growing Rose of Sharon: Hibiscus syriacus
By Brenda Hyde
Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon,
althea or hardy hibiscus is a shrub that is treasured by
most, and neglected by many. You'll often see large
altheas near homes that may not have been taken care
of in years, but it will be blooming as if it was given much
time and attention. That is a sign of a hardy, easy to grow
shrub!
Rose of Sharon blooms later in the summer than most shrubs,
and continues through until mid-autumn. The size of the blooms
depend on how you decide to prune it. If it's left to it's own with
just an occasional pruning it will have many small blooms, which
are lovely and fill the entire shrub during it's peak. But, a good
pruning each spring will keep it more controlled and it will tend
to produce less flowers, but they will be much larger. Blooms
are in shades of white, pink, purple and red.
Whatever habit you decide to go with, hardy hibiscus prefers
full sun and a good soil that is not too dry, or too wet. Average
soil in mostly full sun will be ideal. Most varieties will eventually
grow to 8-10 tall and about 5 foot wide, depending on pruning.
Rose of Sharon is hardy to about -20 when mature. During the
early years mulch well for extra protection. When they are newly
planted be sure to water every few days until established.
Rose of Sharon is a beautiful and delightful shrub that will give
you years of charming flowers just when you need them in
the late summer and fall.
About The Author
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer living on ten acres in rural Michigan with her husband and three kids. Stop by and visit her garden blog, Garden of Grace & Whimsy, and her photography blog, A Dance of Words & Photos.
SeptemberLady "Born and have lived in Southern MD most of my life. My husband and I just finished building a new home on the family farm, where I hope to retire in the near future.
My interests: Doll collecting, cookbook collector (especially old ones), antiques, family/friend get-togethers, cooking/baking, flower and vegetable gardening, bird-watching."
Memorial Day: Backyard Grilling Memorial Day signals the start of barbecue season. Everyone wants to light that fire and charcoal that first meal. A few tips might pre- vent your entree from becoming a "Burnt Offering."
Read these tips for plenty of grilling ideas, make this year's barbecue perfect!
Growing and Using Garlic Chives Garlic chives, Allium tuberosum, is a hardy perennial (Zones 3-9) that will grow to about 12 inches high. The stems are skinnier and flat, instead of hollow as are regular chives, with greenish white blooms that are about an inch wide and not as rounded. They bloom in the summer rather than spring. The bloom stalks grow much taller than the leaves, sometimes up to 30 inches.
The stems and blooms are both edible and have a mild garlic onion taste. I've noticed many writers will list this as primarily as an Asian herb, as they are also known as Chinese chives, Chinese leeks, ku chai (China) or Nira (Japan), but it has many other uses as well!
The Perfect Porch Swing Perhaps it is the soothing rhythm or the reassuring creak of the porch swing that attracts us. Perhaps it is the companionable silence or quiet conversation. Or maybe swings simply remind us of more genteel times.
Although porch swings can be purchased in a wide range of materials, the most common are wicker and wood. You can also make your own porch swing from one of the myriad of woodworking patterns available at garden centers, hardware stores, or on the Internet.
Memorial Day: Backyard Grilling
Growing and Using Garlic Chives
The Perfect Porch Swing