The rose of sharon is a popular summertime flowering shrub known for its striking colors and hardiness. One of the most eye-catching varieties is the white and red rose of sharon, which combines elegant white blooms with bold red throats for an enchanting display. In this article, we’ll explore growing and caring for white and red rose of sharon shrubs to enhance your landscape with vivid floral color.
Overview of White and Red Rose of Sharon
White and red rose of sharon refers to varieties of this hardy deciduous shrub that produce white flowers punctuated by red centers The contrast makes for an vibrant blossom that brings life to gardens and outdoor spaces
Some popular cultivars include ‘Red Heart’ ‘Azurri Blue Satin’ and ‘Lil Kim.’ The flowers emerge on the branch tips in mid to late summer, extending color into fall in some regions. When not in bloom, the green leaves provide a lush backdrop.
These shrubs reach mature heights of 8-12 feet with a spread of up to 10 feet. The vase-shaped form works well as a specimen plant or grouped in borders. With proper pruning, they can also be trained into small flowering trees.
If you’re looking to inject bold yet refined color into your yard in the later summer months, white and red rose of sharon is an excellent choice. Let’s look at how to successfully grow this visual delight.
Growing Conditions for White and Red Rose of Sharon
White and red rose of sharon thrives in a range of conditions, contributing to its popularity across diverse regions. Here are the keys to success:
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Sun: Full sun to partial shade is ideal. At least 6 hours of direct sun daily for maximum blooms.
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Soil: Average garden soils work well as long as they drain freely. Loamy soil enriched with compost is ideal.
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pH: Slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0-7.0. Avoid alkaline soils above 7.5 pH.
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Water: Moderate moisture. Established plants have good drought tolerance but bloom best with regular water.
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Climate: Hardy from zones 5-9. Prefers hot summers. Protect from harsh winter winds in cold climates.
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Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to support growth and flowering.
Given the right growing conditions, white and red rose of sharon will reward you with an abundance of exquisite blooms summer through fall.
How to Plant White and Red Rose of Sharon
For the best results, begin with high-quality nursery stock in a 1-3 gallon pot. Larger sizes will establish and flower sooner. Follow these tips when planting:
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Select a site with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
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Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the container and 6 inches deeper.
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Carefully remove from pot and loosen any circling roots. Place in hole.
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Backfill with native soil, watering thoroughly to settle.
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Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around base, keeping it a few inches from the stem.
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Stake plant if needed for stabilization in windy sites.
Water deeply for the first few weeks until established. Adding a balanced fertilizer at planting and in spring will get it off to a vigorous start.
How to Care for White and Red Rose of Sharon
Caring for this versatile shrub is quite straightforward. Just provide for its basic needs with these care tips:
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Watering: Supply 1-2 inches of water per week. More in hot, dry weather. Good drainage is key.
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Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape and improve flower production. Remove spent blooms during flowering season.
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Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with balanced fertilizer to support growth and blooms.
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Pest/Disease: Mostly pest-free but watch for scale, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Promote air circulation.
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Overwintering: Leave stems and seed pods for winter interest. Cut back any damaged branches after dormancy.
With its moderate care needs and longevity, the white and red rose of sharon is an easy-care addition that will delight for years to come.
Varieties of White and Red Rose of Sharon
There are several excellent cultivars to choose from when selecting your white and red rose of sharon:
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‘Red Heart’ – Pure white blooms with vivid red throats. Grows 8-10 feet tall.
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‘Lil’ Kim’ – A dwarf variety under 4 feet with white and magenta flowers. Great for containers.
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‘Blue Satin’ – Large blooms up to 5 inches with blue-violet hue and dark red eye.
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‘Orchid Satin’ – Lavender-pink blooms with red centers on upright 8-12 foot shrubs.
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‘Sugar Tip’ – Elegant white and red flowers on a smaller variety with unique variegated foliage.
Experiment with one or more of these captivating varieties to find your perfect white and red rose of sharon for stunning floral effect.
Common Questions about White and Red Rose of Sharon
Still have questions? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
When does white and red rose of sharon bloom?
Blooming takes place in mid to late summer. Flowering lasts 4-6 weeks and peaks in July/August in most regions. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flushes of color into fall.
How fast does rose of sharon grow?
These are moderately fast growing shrubs, adding 1-2 feet of growth per year when young. Mature height of 8-12 feet is typically reached in 4-6 years after planting.
Should rose of sharon be pruned?
Pruning in late winter will improve shape and increase flower production. Pruning after blooming helps maintain a tidy appearance. Avoid pruning in fall.
Is rose of sharon deer resistant?
Yes, deer tend to avoid rose of sharon. This makes it a good choice for gardens plagued by deer browsing.
What is the lifespan of rose of sharon?
With proper care and growing conditions, white and red rose of sharon can live for over 20 years. It is one of the longer-lived flowering shrubs available.