Walker Rose Of Sharon – Aphrodite Althea

Aphrodite Rose of Sharon Althea (Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’) will charm your socks off with its striking flowers. The horticulturists at the U.S. National Arboretum introduced this superb plant in 1988, and it has certainly stood the test of time. No matter which of its common names is most familiar to you ‘– Hibiscus, or Rose-of-Sharon or Althea ‘– what’s more universally known is the beauty this endearing plant brings to each garden it graces.

The “Eyes” Have It
Aphrodite Rose of Sharon flowers have three outstanding qualities:

1. Two-tone color. A dazzling combination of deep-pink petals with a dark-red eye makes Aphrodite Althea a standout among garden perennials. Each flower resembles a hollyhock blossom, only larger, with individual petals sporting a ruffled margin that makes the blooms flutter in the breeze!

2. Long bloom season. Unlike other hibiscus cultivars that have a short window of bloom, Aphrodite’s flowers keep coming over a long season, typically from June to September. Sometimes, the flowers persist ’til the first frost of autumn!

3. Hummingbird- and butterfly-friendly. You’ll wish you’d ordered more than one Aphrodite shrub when you see how many hummingbirds and butterflies it attracts! Be sure to plant it in a prominent spot where you can the antics of these tiny garden acrobats up close.

Bump up the Bloom Potential
Happy plants are performing plants, so if you meet the few growing needs of Aphrodite Rose of Sharon Althea, you’ll prime it for optimal flower production. Lots of sun is just what the plant doctor ordered. Although these deciduous shrubs can tolerate partial shade, they’ll flower more heavily in full sun. Aphrodite is tolerant of most well-draining soil types, but it performs best in sandy loam with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. After establishment, plants are fairly drought-tolerant, but they’ll respond favorably to regular watering. Before leaf buds open in spring, apply a slow-release fertilizer, and get ready for the floral display that’s just around the corner!