Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–144" H × 48"–96" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native alternatives to Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 446 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaAn upright deciduous shrub that flowers from midsummer into fall, when little else is blooming. It leafs out very late in spring, which is normal and not a sign of a dead plant. Seedlings come up freely around the parent unless spent flowers are removed.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rose of Sharon is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation bed, border.
- Self sows freely if spent flowers are left on the plant.
Wildlife value
Flowers offer nectar that generalist visitors will use, but as a non-native it feeds no local caterpillars. Treat it as garden interest rather than habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rose of Sharon need?
- Rose of Sharon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Rose of Sharon bloom?
- Rose of Sharon blooms in July, August, and September.
- Is Rose of Sharon toxic to dogs?
- Rose of Sharon is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Rose of Sharon toxic to cats?
- Rose of Sharon is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Rose of Sharon HOA-friendly?
- Rose of Sharon is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Rose of Sharon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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