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Hibiscus sinosyriacus - L.H.Bailey.

Common Name Rose Of Sharon
Family Malvaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Scrub in valleys at elevations of 500 - 1000 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - China.
Edibility Rating    (4 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Hibiscus sinosyriacus Rose Of Sharon


Hibiscus sinosyriacus Rose Of Sharon

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Hibiscus sinosyriacus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves  Oil  Root
Edible Uses: Oil  Tea

The following notes are for the closely related H. syriacus. They quite probably also apply to this species[K]. Young leaves - raw or cooked[2, 177, 179, 183]. A very mild flavour, though slightly on the tough side, they make an acceptable addition to the salad bowl[K]. A tea is made from the leaves[2, 177, 240] or the flowers[183]. Flowers - raw or cooked[74, 105, 183]. A mild flavour and mucilaginous texture, they are delightful in salads, both for looking at and for eating[K]. Root - it is edible but very fibrousy[144]. Mucilaginous, without very much flavour[144].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Anthelmintic  Antiphlogistic  Demulcent  Diuretic  Dysentery  Emollient  Expectorant  Febrifuge  
Ophthalmic  Skin  Stomachic  Styptic

The following notes are for the closely related H. syriacus. They quite possibly also apply to this species[K]. Ophthalmic, styptic[147, 178]. The leaves are diuretic, expectorant and stomachic[218, 240]. A decoction of the flowers is diuretic, ophthalmic and stomachic[147, 218]. It is also used in the treatment of itch and other skin diseases[240], dizziness and bloody stools accompanied by much gas[147]. A decoction of the root bark is antiphlogistic, demulcent, emollient, febrifuge, haemostatic and vermifuge[218, 240]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, dysmenorrhoea[240] and dermaphytosis[147].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye  Fibre  Hair  Hedge  Hedge  Oil

The following notes are for the closely related H. syriacus. They quite probably also apply to this similar species[K]. A low quality fibre is obtained from the stems. It is used for making cordage and paper[74]. The seed contains about 25% oil[74]. No further details are given, but it is likely to be edible. A hair shampoo is made from the leaves[74]. A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[168]. This species is planted as a hedge in S. Europe[50].

Special Uses

Hedge  Hedge

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun[200]. Succeeds in any soil of good or moderate quality[11]. Dislikes shade or badly drained soils[11]. Plants grow best with their roots in cool moist soil and their tops in a hot sunny position. Plants are hardy in most parts of the country, tolerating temperatures down to around -15°c[200]. They are best grown in the milder areas, however, because of their habit of flowering late in the season and thus being subject to frost damage[200]. When planted in colder parts of the country they will need some protection for the first few winters[200]. This species is closely related to H. syriacus, differing mainly in the larger leaves and larger epicalyx[200]. Plants rarely require pruning[219], though they respond well to pruning and trimming and this is best carried out in the spring or just after flowering[219]. The flowers are produced on the current season's growth[200]. and they only open in sunny weather[219]. Plants are late coming into leaf, usually around the end of May or early June[182]. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[11].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Some reports say that the seed can be sown in situ outside and that it gives a good rate of germination[78, 80, 113]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Good percentage[113]. Cuttings of mature wood, early autumn in a frame. Good percentage[113]. Layering in mid summer to early autumn[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

L.H.Bailey.

Botanical References

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Subject : Hibiscus sinosyriacus  
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