Amplissimus Double Red Althea, Paeoniflorus Rose of Sharon

Description

Amplissimus Rose of Sharon produces 2-3" wide, double, purplish-red flowers throughout much of summer on this easy to grow vigorous shrub, which is very tolerant of heat and most growing conditions. Althea or Rose of Sharon is a hardy Hibiscus that naturally develops into a multi-stemmed, vase-shaped deciduous shrub that can be trained into a tree form if desired. Provide an average moist to moderately moist, fertile soil and full sun for optimum growth and flowering.
The Rose of Sharon or Althea is an easily grown deciduous shrub that was a common pass along plant. This durable shrub is tolerant of a wide variety of soil types as long as they are well-drained, is moderately drought tolerant once well established (though it will flower more with adequate moisture), and will provide many years of enjoyment with its procession of summer flowers. Caterpillar host: Gray hairstreak

For optimum growth and flowering (like most Hibiscus they flower on new growth) provide average to moderate moisture, not soggy, in full sun with a rich fertile, well-drained soil. For larger flowers, though they may be less in number, a hard late winter or spring pruning will produce vigorous late spring and summer growth with larger showy flowers. Periodic removal of older non productive stems will be can be beneficial to make way for new growth as well. Provide Altheas with good air circulation and full sun to help prevent infestations from sap sucking pests like white flies and aphids.