This is a very common deciduous shrub called Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), which is also called shrub althea. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. It got its name from the flowers, which some people think look like the way shrub roses bloom a lot. This plant is actually a mallow, but when you look at its flowers up close, they look more like hollyhocks or hibiscus flowers. This thorny bush can get up to 12 feet tall and blooms profusely from early summer to late fall. And that’s the problem. Many flowers mean many seeds, and rose of Sharon is known to self-seed a lot. This can cause dozens or even hundreds of seedlings to grow all over the garden and lawn. Rose of Sharon seedlings grow quickly, which means that the plant can become very invasive if you don’t take steps to stop it.
Its also possible that you might want to grow some rose of Sharon plants into mature specimens. If so, the ease with which these plants self-seed also makes them very easy to propagate intentionally.
The rose of Sharon is a popular flowering shrub known for its showy blooms that come in a variety of colors like white, pink, purple, and red. This hardy plant is easy to grow from seeds, but you need to know what rose of Sharon seedlings look like at different growth stages and how to care for them. This picture guide will help you identify young rose of Sharon plants and provide tips for ensuring they grow into healthy, mature shrubs.
What Do Rose of Sharon Seedlings Look Like?
Young rose of Sharon seedlings go through distinct growth phases. Here’s what to look out for at different stages
Germinated Seeds
- Appear as tiny sprouts emerging from the soil
- Have two small green seed leaves (cotyledons)
- Taproot starts developing downwards
Seedlings
- Grow a pair of first true leaves after the cotyledons
- Leaves are green, alternate, and have a faint tooth along the edges
- Stem is green and smooth
- Grows rapidly in height
Young Plants
- Develop woody stems as they mature
- Leaves get bigger and adopt a heart or oval shape
- Branches start growing from leaf axils
- Grows up to 12-18 inches tall before blooming
Mature Plants
- Reach a height of 6-12 feet and spread of up to 10 feet
- Have thick woody stems and lots of branching
- Leaves are heart-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long
- Produces abundant flowers in summer and fall
How to Care for Rose of Sharon Seedlings
Caring for young rose of Sharon plants properly ensures they grow into strong, flowering shrubs. Here are some key care tips:
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Sunlight Seedlings need at least 6 hours of full sun daily for robust growth.
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Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure suits them best.
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Watering Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering. Water deeply 2-3 times a week.
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Temperature: Grow seedlings at 60-75°F. They thrive in hot summers.
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Fertilizer: Use balanced fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
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Pruning: Prune lightly to encourage bushy growth. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, and Japanese beetles.
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Transplanting: Transplant seedlings when they are 6-12 inches tall. Harden off for a week before transplanting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Rose of Sharon from Seeds
Follow these simple steps for growing robust rose of Sharon shrubs from seeds:
1. Collect and Store Seeds
Collect ripe seed pods in fall. Dry and store seeds in an airtight container at 40°F over winter.
2. Start Seeds Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Use seed starting mix and keep them warm (70°F).
3. Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off when day temps are 60-70°F and about 6 inches tall. Site needs full sun.
4. Prepare Soil
Prepare planting area in advance by mixing in compost and fertilizer. Plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart.
5. Water and Mulch
Water seedlings thoroughly after planting. Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture.
6. Ongoing Care
Fertilize monthly and water during droughts in the growing season. Prune lightly in late winter for shape.
Common Problems with Rose of Sharon Seedlings
Here are some common problems to look out for with seedling care:
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Poor germination: Caused by old seeds, improper planting depth, or insufficient moisture.
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Leaf spots: Indicates fungal disease. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage.
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Wilting: Sign of under or overwatering. Check soil moisture and amend watering schedule.
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Leggy growth: Due to insufficient light. Provide more sunlight.
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Yellow leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between watering.
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Pest damage: Inspect for signs of feeding by aphids, beetles, caterpillars etc. Take appropriate control measures.
Final Tips
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Be patient, as rose of Sharon can take up to 6 weeks to germinate from seeds.
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Pinch off tips of young seedlings to encourage bushy growth.
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Transplant seedlings before they become root bound in starter pots.
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Add support structures as seedlings grow taller to avoid breakage.
Growing rose of Sharon from seeds is easy and rewarding. Follow this picture guide to identify seedlings at different stages and provide proper care for a season full of gorgeous blooms. Let us know how your rose of Sharon seedlings progress in the comments!
Preventing Self Seeding
There are several ways to prevent rose of Sharon from self-seeding and producing volunteer seedlings in the garden.
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The Spruce / Ana Cadena
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The Spruce / Ana Cadena
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The Spruce / Ana Cadena
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The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Practice Manual Removal
Pulling seedlings out by hand takes the most time and is the hardest way to deal with them, but it is also the best for the environment. Spotted early, the seedlings arent difficult to pluck from the soil. It’s a little harder to dig up bigger seedlings because their roots grow so quickly, but you can still do it with a trowel or shovel. You shouldn’t worry about seedlings that come up in the lawn because they will soon go away if you mow it regularly.
How to Handle Rose of Sharon Seed Pods
FAQ
How do you deal with rose of Sharon seedlings?
What does the rose of Sharon seed look like?
How fast do rose of Sharon seedlings grow?
What are the pros and cons of the rose of Sharon?
Does Rose of Sharon grow well?
Because of its large, dense habit and its ability to seed itself, rose of sharon makes an excellent living wall or privacy hedge. When left untended, rose of sharon will drop its seeds close to the parent plant. In spring, these seeds will easily germinate and grow into new plants.
Does Rose of Sharon produce seeds?
However, some varieties of rose of Sharon do not produce seeds. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the seedling will be the same variety as the parent plant. This is due to the possibility that the parent is a hybrid. You may want to save a rose of Sharon seed or two for later planting.
Do Rose of Sharon seeds ripen?
The seeds need this cold period to properly germinate in the spring. Rose of sharon seeds can be collected before they ripen, but they should be allowed to dry out, then placed in a paper bag in the refrigerator until you are ready to plant them. If rose of sharon seed pods are harvested too early, they may not ripen or produce viable seed.
How to pick the best Rose of Sharon seeds?
Here are some expert tips on how to ensure you pick the best rose of Sharon seeds: Option #1: Collect the seeds from a rose of Sharon flower. Preferably, pick them during the winter season, because this is when they ripen. If you pick them earlier than that, you can dry them out in a paper bag in the fridge.
Is Rose of Sharon a hedge?
Rose of sharon is a large deciduous flowering shrub in the Mallow family and is hardy in zones 5-10. Because of its large, dense habit and its ability to seed itself, rose of sharon makes an excellent living wall or privacy hedge. When left untended, rose of sharon will drop its seeds close to the parent plant.
Can Rose of Sharon reseed?
‘Sugar Tip’, ‘Pollypetite’, ‘Azurri Blue Satin’, and ‘Purple Satin’ are all low-seed varieties. Rose of Sharon reseeds prolifically, so you can wait for the seeds to germinate in spring and transplant the seedlings when they are robust.