Rose of sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a hardy deciduous shrub that produces showy flowers throughout the summer. With its fast growth habit and large size reaching up to 12 feet tall, you may wonder if rose of sharon can be successfully grown in a pot or container.
The good news is that with the right care, rose of sharon can indeed thrive when grown in pots, even over many years. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to grow rose of sharon in containers.
Selecting the Right Pot for Rose of Sharon
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Choose the largest container possible to allow room for growth. For mature shrubs, select at least an 18-24 inch diameter pot.
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Use a pot with drainage holes made of weather-resistant material like plastic, resin, concrete or glazed terra cotta.
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Sturdy pots that won’t easily tip over when mature are best, Place on casters or plant dollies for mobility,
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For smaller varieties under 4 feet, a 12-16 inch pot may suffice long-term.
Providing Proper Soil
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Use a high quality commercial potting mix instead of garden soil to ensure good drainage.
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Add compost or organic material like bark fines to improve moisture retention and nutrition,
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Avoid soil additives like water crystals that can hold excess moisture and lead to rotting.
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A layer of mulch on top of the soil helps conserve moisture while allowing air circulation.
Caring for Rose of Sharon Planted in Pots
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Water thoroughly after planting and monitor soil moisture frequently the first year.
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Expect to water potted rose of sharon at least twice per week in warm weather.
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Allow excess water to drain out of the container after watering to prevent soggy soil.
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Feed with slow-release granular fertilizer in spring and supplement monthly with diluted liquid feed.
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Prune actively to control size and shape. Remove dead branches promptly.
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Bring potted plants to a sheltered area if hard frost threatens.
Providing Adequate Water to Potted Plants
Roses of sharon prefer consistent moisture but dislike soggy roots. Take these steps to properly water container plantings:
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Check soil moisture by finger 2 inches deep. Water whenever top few inches become dry.
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Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot bottom. Never allow pots to fully dry out.
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Water more frequently in hot weather, smaller containers, or porous pot materials.
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Reduce watering frequency for mature, established plants. But check soil often!
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Ensure pots have drainage holes and saucers to remove excess water.
Fertilizing Rose of Sharon Grown in Containers
Container plants need more frequent feeding than in-ground plantings. Follow these tips for best results:
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At planting, mix slow-release granular fertilizer into potting soil as directed.
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During the growing season, supplement monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength.
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Excess fertilizer can damage roots, causing leaf scorch. Reduce applications if this occurs.
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Refrain from fertilizing after September so plants harden off for dormancy.
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Resume feeding with new growth in spring. Always water before fertilizing.
Caring for Potted Rose of Sharon Over Winter
In colder climates, containerized rose of sharon will need some protection to survive winter. Take these steps:
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Stop fertilizing by early September and prune back leggy growth.
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Shelter potted plants along foundations or against structures if possible.
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Before frost, water soil thoroughly and mulch pots with 3 inches of bark or leaves.
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When hard freezes threaten, cover pots with burlap, frost cloth or bubble wrap.
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Bring plants to an unheated garage or bury pots in garden beds over winter.
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Remove coverings next spring after the last frost date.
Tips for Growing Happy Rose of Sharon in Containers
Follow this advice for successfully growing rose of sharon in pots long-term:
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Select compact varieties under 5 feet tall suited for container growing.
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Use large, sturdy pots with saucers to prevent tipping as plants mature.
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Monitor soil moisture frequently and water before plants wilt.
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Apply timed-release fertilizer at planting and supplement with liquid feeds.
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Prune actively to control size and shape. Discard dead branches.
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Repot every 2-3 years into a larger container as the shrub grows.
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Overwinter in a protected area once planted in containers.
With the right cultivar choice, proper care and pruning, rose of sharon is a stunning plant that can provide lasting beauty in pots or garden beds. Give this adaptable shrub a try in your containers for vivid floral displays through the seasons.
How Big Does Rose of Sharon Get?
Rose of Sharon shrubs can reach up to 8-12′ tall x 6-10′ wide at maturity, depending on the variety. Its tall habit and a large, vibrant flower display make Rose of Sharon excellent for landscaping and hedges. This superstar shrub puts on quite the show!
Azurri Blue Satin® Rose of Sharon
- Stunning true-blue blooms last all summer long!
- Low maintenance- does not create seedlings.
- Gorgeous rose of Sharon from Proven Winners.
- Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators to your garden.
- Zones 5-9, sun, 12′ tall x 10′ wide at maturity.
How to Care for a Rose of Sharon Hibiscus in a Pot : Garden Savvy
FAQ
How big of a pot does rose of Sharon need?
As they grow, you will need to transfer them to a bigger pot about 2-4 inches larger than the root ball. Avoid potting the rose of Sharon plants in a pot much larger than the root ball because the excess soil will hold onto moisture and cause root issues.
Will a potted rose of Sharon survive winter?
In most zones, preparing rose of sharon for winter is not necessary. In zone 5, though, it’s a good idea to add a heap of mulch over the plant crown for protecting rose of sharon in winter. Potted rose of sharon may need winter protection as well. Either heap mulch or straw over potted plants or wrap with bubble wrap.
What is the lifespan of a rose of Sharon in pots?
Rose of Sharon is a low maintenance option, drought and heat-tolerant that adapts to poor soil and urban conditions with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
Can rose of Sharon be kept small?
Can Rose of Sharon Be Kept Small? While rose of Sharon can withstand some light pruning in early spring, it does not grow well when continually trimmed to stay small. Cutting your rose of Sharon throughout the growing season will lead to reduced blooms and an overall stressed plant.
Can Rose of Sharon grow in pots?
You can grow rose of Sharon in pots at any time of the year, but it will endure less stress when temperatures are not freezing. Begin with a compact-size variety and keep the plant where it gets full sun to partial shade. You can use an 8-12 inches container and then gradually re-pot it into one size bigger pot depending on the plant’s growth.
How to grow Rose of Sharon?
The best way to grow Rose of Sharon is through cuttings. This is because these plants are sterile and seedless. So the only option you have is to take cuttings. Here are some steps that you can follow for your plant. Take your Rose of Sharon cuttings early in the same summer that you plan on planting them.
How big should a Rose of Sharon pot be?
The pot’s size is crucial in determining whether the rose of sharon plant will grow to its full size or not. This shrub has a deep root system, and a shallow pot will not allow the roots to grow and expand correctly. Therefore, gardeners should choose a pot that is at least 18-24 inches in diameter and depth. Use the right soil
How do you plant a Rose of Sharon in a container?
To transplant a Rose of Sharon into a container, start with a compact-sized variety and choose a location in full sun to part shade. Your container should allow from one to three inches around the roots of your rose of Sharon. Planting from container to container can happen any time of year, but the plant will undergo less stress when temperatures are above freezing.
When should you change the pot for a Rose of Sharon?
You’ll need to change pots eventually as the plant’s roots fill up that pot and grow to maturity – or consider root pruning to keep the plant in that original pot. Your container should allow from one to three inches around the roots of your rose of Sharon.
Should I repot my Rose of Sharon?
If you notice the lowest leaves of your Rose of Sharon turning yellow, or if water rushes through the pot soil without absorbing, it’s a sign that it’s time to move to a larger pot. This will help you keep your rose of Sharon evenly moist while allowing proper drainage from the roots.