Caring for Purple Pillar Rose of Sharon in Winter: Tips to Protect Your Plant

The Purple Pillar Rose of Sharon is a stunning choice for gardens, known for its towering height and abundance of vibrant purple blooms in summer. But when winter arrives, what’s the best way to care for this beautiful plant?

Proper winter care is crucial for Purple Pillar to survive the cold months and re-emerge healthy in spring. This columnar rose of sharon has excellent cold hardiness when properly prepared, but still benefits from some protection.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover tips to help your Purple Pillar Rose of Sharon not just survive, but thrive through winter:

An Overview of Purple Pillar Rose of Sharon

Before diving into winter care, let’s do a quick overview of this unique variety of rose of sharon:

• Deciduous shrub with bright purple flowers from summer into fall Goes dormant in winter

• Narrow, columnar shape grows 10-16 ft. tall but only 2-3 ft. wide.

• Hardy in zones 5-9. Can tolerate cold winters in most areas.

• Performs best in full sun. Prefers moist, well-draining soil.

• Low maintenance needs. Requires little pruning or care.

• Deer resistant and attracts pollinators.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at how to protect your plant through the tough winter months.

Is Purple Pillar Rose of Sharon Cold Hardy?

Purple Pillar rose of sharon is rated hardy for USDA zones 5-9. This means it can generally withstand winter temperatures down to -20°F once established. But remember even cold hardy plants benefit from some protection when conditions are severe.

For gardeners in zones 5-6, extra winter care is advised. Those in warmer zones 7-9 can relax a bit, but should still take precautions like ceasing fertilizer in fall and removing dead growth.

Stop Fertilizing in Early Fall

Fertilizing should end by early September at the latest for Purple Pillar rose of sharon. Late season fertilizer can spur new growth that is more prone to winter damage.

By ending fertilizer in early fall, the plant can harden off naturally and focus energy on developing cold tolerance rather than new foliage.

Remove Dead Growth and Fallen Leaves

Before winter dormancy, trim off any dead or damaged branches on your Purple Pillar. Removing spent foliage helps minimize disease issues.

Additionally, rake up any fallen leaves around the base of the plant. Leaf litter can harbor fungal diseases that may harm the shrub over winter. A clean start helps keep your rose of sharon healthy.

Water Infrequently After First Frost

Once light frosts begin, discontinue frequent watering of Purple Pillar rose of sharon. Soil should not remain soggy wet heading into freezing weather.

However, a deep watering every 2-3 weeks during winter dry spells can be beneficial. The roots still need occasional moisture even while the plant is dormant.

Add Winter Mulch for Insulation

Placing 2-4 inches of shredded bark, leaves, straw or other organic mulch around the base of the shrub provides insulation against harsh winds and dramatic temperature fluctuations.

The bit of extra protection keeps the soil warmer and the roots protected. Let the ground freeze naturally before applying winter mulch.

Protect With Burlap or Screening

For additional protection in zones 5-6, wrap plants with burlap or commercial protective screening to shield from desiccating winds.

Avoid plastic wraps that prevent air circulation. Secure wraps loosely so they don’t chafe or damage branches.

Prevent Damage from Heavy Snow or Ice

The columnar shape of Purple Pillar makes the shrub prone to potential stem and branch damage if heavy snow or ice accumulates on the plant.

Carefully knock off accumulations with a broom. Prune away any split or broken branches in early spring.

Delay Pruning Until Spring

Avoid pruning Purple Pillar rose of sharon in late fall or winter, as this can encourage new growth that is vulnerable to cold damage.

Save pruning for early spring once the worst of winter has passed but before buds begin to swell and leaf out.

Watch for Pests Like Scale

Inspect shrubs prior to winter for scale infestations. Remove any visible scale with a scrub brush or natural oil spray. Unchecked scale can weaken plants over winter.

How Does Purple Pillar Handle Winter Weather?

Now that we’ve covered the winter care basics, what typically happens with Purple Pillar rose of sharon during cold months?

Here are some changes and challenges to expect:

• Defoliation occurs as leaves drop in autumn before dormancy.

• Dieback of some tender branch tips due to frost is normal. Don’t prune until spring.

• Flower buds are set on new wood, so winter dieback won’t impact summer blooms.

• Freezing and thawing cycles can damage roots if soil isn’t properly mulched.

• Harsh winds or heavy snow can cause stem breakage – provide protection.

With the right winter preparations, Purple Pillar rose of sharon will thrive year after year in zones 5-9. A little extra care makes a difference for these stunning summer bloomers!

Spectacular Purple Pillar for Season-Long Interest

Few flowering shrubs rival the beauty of Purple Pillar’s magenta-purple blossoms combined with its narrowly columnar form. By providing attentive care in winter, your plant will be poised for another sensational display come summer.

Do you have any additional tips for overwintering Purple Pillar rose of sharon? Let us know in the comments! And check out our blog for more advice on caring for beautiful flowering shrubs and trees.