Hibiscus syriacus
Rose of Sharon · also Shrub althea, Althea, Syrian ketmia
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Hibiscus syriacus is a low-maintenance deciduous shrub known for its ornamental and long-lasting flowers, which consist of five large petals in various colors and a prominent central stamen column. Its dark green, three-lobed foliage provides a rugged texture. This species is valued in urban settings for its tolerance to drought, salt, heat, and general urban conditions, while its fragrant blooms attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Where it grows
Trees in each city's inventory, with the share of that city's named trees this species accounts for.
- 3,7051.6%—3.3 in
- 8680.25%—5.5 in
- 1440.08%—3.0 in
- 1050.01%—0.6 in
- 480.01%35 yr1.5 in
- 470.30%23 yr4.3 in
- 290.01%21 yr5.9 in
- 190.01%—2.5 in
- 190.03%—3.9 in
- 170.01%—1.9 in
- 160.20%——
- 140.01%—6.0 in
- 40.00%—3.6 in
- 30.00%—1.6 in
- 30.00%—1.9 in
- 10.00%——
Traits
- Form
- Ornamental
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Mature height
- 10–15 ft
- Canopy spread
- 6–10 ft
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Drought tolerance
- High
- Pollution tolerance
- High
- Wildlife value
- High
- Tolerates
- coastal, salt
- Blooms
- Jun, Jul, Aug
Trunk diameters across every city: median 4.0 in, mean 5.1 in, 90th percentile 9.8 in. Measured at breast height, as published by each inventory.
Native range
Terrestrial ecoregions where this species is native. Trees in the dataset mostly stand well outside it.
Tropical & Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
- South Taiwan monsoon rain forests
- Taiwan subtropical evergreen forests
Temperate Broadleaf & Mixed Forests
- Central China Loess Plateau mixed forests
Other Hibiscus in the catalogue
6 of the top 2,000 species are in this genus.
