Rose of Sharron

== AKA ==
Tree Rose, Hardy Hibiscus
== Blurb ==
Rose of Sharron is a slightly common species of shrub here in CT. Rose of Sharron is a popular choice for a reason. This tree boasts huge tropical looking flowers on new wood. (Therefore, never cut during the growing season- you wont get flowers.) The best time for pruning is December-March. They are fast growing huge shrubs. Despite being said as "shrubs", they're more like a tree in most cases, and can top 20' tall if let grow. They can easily be trimmed yearly to maintain a safe height. While the flowers aren't really fragrant, they look really nice. Especially the variety of double flowers. Those look more like roses. Just without the thorns. Bloom time usually begins in July and carries into October. Then the reason these trees' invasive problem begins. The seeds. The seeds are very highly germinatable in April, or early May. They grow very quick, and develop a deep taproot at a young age. They produce many seeds in late October and November. These seeds stay on the tree through winter. The strong winter winds whip the seeds all over the place, and these ROS saplings come up before the mature trees leaf out. These small saplings can be transplanted anywhere before the taproot kicks in around 3 years of age. Even 1-2 year old saplings can be difficult to pull. Flowering usualy begins also at a young age. My saplings on average put out its first flower around 3 years old. But the youngest ROS tree bloomed when it was 2. 
These bushes or trees, bushy if trimmed, usually do best in full sun and full shade, but shaded trees wont flower as much and or grow as fast as a full sun plant does. The young trees are fast growing, adding a potential 8-12 inches. Tree grows much slower when mature. 
== -Quick Stats ==
10-20 'Tall- Able to adjust to yearly trimmings to maintain height
-Narrow crown may become obese with age.
Flowers young
Tropical looking Flowers
Full Sun of Mostly Shade
Any Soils
Hardy to zone 5. 
Category:Trees and Shrubs
Category:Nature