Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Showtime Rose of Sharon or Hibiscus syriacus is a showy shrub that is very low maintenance once it has had time to settle in. The semi-double flowers are large, lush, and purple in color with a deep red eye and prominent stamens. Enjoy the blooms from mid to late summer. The flowers of a Rose of Sharon are always eye-catching, but the foliage of the Showtime cultivar also stands out. The leaves have randomly toothed edges and are predominantly green with yellow borders.
The branched, upright growth habit makes this shrub an excellent option to add height to a mixed bed. The dense form of the Showtime Rose of Sharon can create privacy in an outdoor area or obscure a fence. Grow the Showtime Rose of Sharon as a perennial in zones 5 through 9.
Showtime Rose of Sharon Care
Full sun is necessary for this beauty to bloom and thrive, so choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight. Showtime prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. New plants need consistent water to become established, but mature plants develop drought tolerance and only need water during a dry spell. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in late winter or early spring to support young plants. Established plants only need fertilizer if the soil quality is poor.
The Showtime Rose of Sharon is a fast grower, so you can routinely prune the shrub in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired shape and size. This shrub blooms on new wood, and pruning during the summer will result in fewer flowers. This rose of Sharon is sterile and doesn’t self-seed.
Showtime Rose of Sharon Spacing
The Showtime Rose of Sharon stands 4 to 9 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide when established. Space shrubs 4 feet apart to create a dense planting, or give each shrub more space to create a focal point.
Showtime Rose of Sharon Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 4-9 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 4-5 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple
- Flower Description
- Semi-double purple flowers with a red center
- Bloom Time
- Summer to Fall
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green, Yellow
- Foliage Description
- Green, Yellow Variegated
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous, Variegated
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Showtime Rose of Sharon
- Also Known As
- Showtime Rose of Sharon
- Botanical Name
- Hibiscus syriacus 'Showtime' ('Carpa')
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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