Althea plant, often known as Rose of Sharon or Hibiscus syriacus, is a popular blooming woody plant in zones 5 to 8. Altheas enjoy the heat and bloom in the summer when most other plants are finishing their flowering season. Althea plants are hibiscus family members with single or double blooms that closely mimic tropical hibiscus blooms and come in a range of hues. These plants are erect, taller than they are wide, and have compact green leaves. Altheas differ from hardy hibiscus,’ which are herbaceous perennials that die back to the ground in the winter and reappear in the spring. Flowers grow on new wood (meaning the current season’s new growth), therefore pruning in the late fall or early spring will stimulate fewer but greater blooms.
The following is a collection of Althea facts
- Hibiscus syriacus is its scientific name.
- Malvaceae is a family of plants (mallow family).
- Plant type: shrub
- Height ranges from 3 to 13 feet (1 to 4 m)
- Sunlight – full sun, partial sun
- Deciduous foliage
- July to November is when the flowers bloom
From planting through blooming, including watering and pruning, this althea plant is simple to care for, and it will reward you with lovely flowers.
How to plant an althea plant
Althea plants in pots
The shrub must be planted in a soil mix suited for flowering plants or any universal soil mix all year.
- Repot in the spring, at least every other year, in a somewhat larger pot than before.
Planting althea in the open
If you bought the shrub in a pot or container, you should plant it in the fall or spring.
- Choose a sunny spot that is protected from severe winds.
Cultivate Althea Plant
Cuttings for althea propagation are simple to do in the spring.
- Simply place clipped stems in water in a vase and plant as soon as a few roots develop.
Althea pruning
It’s time to trim your althea in the early spring, around February-March. You can cut Althea every year because it blooms on new growth.
Pruning late in the season, on the other hand, has the tendency to reduce blooming.
- Remove all inward-growing branches so the shrub can filter light from the inside.
- Then, just above an outward-facing blossom, trim the remaining stems back by about 23%.
Everything you need to know about althea
Althea Plant, which is also a member of the Mallow family, is unquestionably one of the most attractive flowering shrubs. Not only does it look fantastic in any garden, but it also looks great on balconies and patios.
Even though this shrub likes warm climes, numerous kinds, such as Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Hibiscus syriacus, are admirably adapted to our harsher conditions. There are as many shapes and colors as there are cultivars, and each one is more lovely than the last.
Althea plant will enchant you with the beauty of their blossoms in any arrangement – hedge, flower bed, or stand-alone. It blooms profusely, in that it is both sumptuous and perpetually renews itself from July through October, and even November if the weather is moderate.
The Advantages of Growing Althea in Your Garden
If you’re seeking for reasons to include Rose of Sharon in your garden, look no further.
- Althea plant produces gorgeous flowers that serve as nectar for butterflies, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Let’s say you want to build a butterfly garden or want to attract butterflies and bees to assist pollinate other plants in your yard. Growing the althea plant will be beneficial in that scenario.
- They’re simple to care for, althea plant shrubs don’t require a lot of maintenance to thrive. It simply takes minimum pruning and watering, leaving you with more time to devote to other activities. If you don’t have a lot of free time, you should consider planting this shrub.
- It is a perennial plant, which means you just have to plant it once and it’ll last for years.
- Its blooms can be cut and put to your indoor garden collection: Rose of Sharon blooms can be cut and added to your indoor garden collection.
Althea Plant Growing Conditions
Althea plant is an easy-to-grow shrub, as has been noted previously. Its ease of development, however, is only achievable if it grows in a favorable habitat. I’ll show you how to grow the rose of Sharon in the best conditions possible.
Sun rays
Althea Plant prefers full sun, although it can also thrive in moderate shade. It is recommended that you get at least 5 hours of sunlight each day.
Enough Space
Your althea plant bush will need a lot of space to thrive; depending on the type you plant, you’ll need to make sure there’s enough room for it to spread.
Soil that is moist and drains well
This plant prefers to thrive in soil that drains well, as damp soil can cause root rot and a variety of other problems. Moisture should be present in the soil, but it should not be muddy.
pH of the soil
The ideal soil pH for growing althea is between 5.5 and 7.5; you can test the pH of your soil to be sure.
When is the best time to plant the Althea Plant (Rose of Sharon)?
Planting your althea flower at the proper time guarantees that it thrives with minimal pest and disease interference. When is it appropriate to plant althea?
Rose of Sharon is best planted in the spring or fall. If you plant during any of these seasons, your plant will have the best chance of surviving.
How long does it take for the Althea Plant to mature?
Althea Plant is a slow-growing plant that, depending on the species, can take many years to maturity. Before reaching maturity, it normally grows around 24 inches per year. This means that certain kinds may take between 4 and 6 years to develop.
Diseases and Pests
Although althea plant is pest resistant, it is nonetheless susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases.
Pests:
Here are some pests to watch out for in your Sharon rose garden.
- Because of their eating habits, Japanese beetles harm plants, flowers, and grass. The plants may perish as a result of the harm. Damage can also be caused by grubs, or juvenile Japanese beetles. They feed on the roots of grass and other plants and reside beneath the soil.
- Blight is a term used to describe a variety of plant diseases that cause abrupt and severe yellowing, browning, spotting, withering, or death of leaves, flowers, fruit, stems, or the entire plant.
- Bugs, on the other hand, may be attracted to the plant. Fortunately, the bugs that are most drawn to the Rose of Sharon, such as aphids, aren’t attracted to it.
Plant diseases that damage althea:
- Root-knot nematodes do not cause any visible symptoms above ground. Affected plants have a scrawny appearance and frequently exhibit stunting, wilting, or chlorosis symptoms (yellowing). When plants are infected soon after planting, the symptoms are more severe.
- Improper drainage in the planting site is frequently the cause of yellowing or browning leaves, falling buds, wilting plants, or stunted development in althea plant. Spotting of foliage can also be caused by leaf rust; however, rust causes orange-rust colored fungal pustules to grow on the undersides of the foliage.
- Leaf Spot is a term that is often used to describe a variety of plant diseases. Leaf spot is sometimes known as anthracnose or canker in larger clusters or rows. Leaf spot causes leaves to become yellow and drop prematurely. The fungal blight can survive and reproduce in the plant’s dead detritus.
- For a variety of reasons, hibiscus bushes lose their buds. Environmental variables are frequently involved. The importance of proper watering cannot be overstated. Allowing plants to dry out between watering’s results in bud drop (and leaves to yellow and drop as well).
Your garden will be free of these pests and diseases if you use pesticides and follow althea plant best growing techniques.
Synopsis
Althea Plant or Rose of Sharon is a beautiful flowering plant that will brighten up your summer garden. Because it is easy to cultivate and manage, it is a popular shrub among gardeners.
Read also: Prevention of pests and diseases in the garden
Read also: 25 Garden Tools and Essentials for Year-Round Care