Common Name: Rose Of Sharon

General Information

Hibiscus sinosyriacus is an erect, deciduous shrub that can grow from 2 - 4 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southeast China (Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan).

Habitat

Scrub in valleys; at elevations from 500 - 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Hibiscus sinosyriacus is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -15°c when fully dormant[]. The plant flowers late in the growing season, however, and is thus subject to frost damage in areas with short growing seasons and autumn frosts. The new growth in spring can also be damaged by frosts[].
Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun[]. Succeeds in any soil of good or moderate quality[]. Dislikes shade or badly drained soils[]. Plants grow best with their roots in cool moist soil and their tops in a hot sunny position.
Plants are more cold-tender when young and, when planted in areas near their limits of hardiness, will need some protection for their first few winters[].
This species is closely related to Hibiscus syriacus, differing mainly in the larger petals, wider leaves and broader epicalyx lobes[].
Plants rarely require pruning[], though they respond well to pruning and trimming and this is best carried out in the spring or just after flowering[]. The flowers are produced on the current season's growth[]. and they only open in sunny weather[].
Plants are late coming into leaf, usually around the end of May or early June[].
There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[].

Edible Uses

The following notes are for the closely related Hibiscus syriacus. They quite probably also apply to this species[].

Young leaves - raw or cooked[, , , ]. A very mild flavour, though slightly on the tough side, they make an acceptable addition to the salad bowl[].

A tea is made from the leaves[, , ] or the flowers[].

Flowers - raw or cooked[, , ]. A mild flavour and mucilaginous texture, they are delightful in salads, both for looking at and for eating[].

Root - it is edible but very fibrousy[]. Mucilaginous, without very much flavour[].

Medicinal

The following notes are for the closely related Hibiscus syriacus. They quite possibly also apply to this species[].

The leaves are diuretic, expectorant and stomachic[, ].

A decoction of the flowers is diuretic, ophthalmic and stomachic[, , ]. It is also used in the treatment of itch and other skin diseases[], dizziness and bloody stools accompanied by much gas[].

The bark contains several medically active constituents, including mucilage, carotenoids, sesquiterpenes and anthocyanidins[]. A decoction of the root bark is antiphlogistic, demulcent, emollient, febrifuge, haemostatic and vermifuge[, ]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, abdominal pain, leucorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea[, ] and dermaphytosis[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be grown as a hedge.

Other Uses

The following notes are for the closely related Hibiscus syriacus. They quite probably also apply to this similar species[].

A low quality fibre is obtained from the stems. It is used for making cordage and paper[].

The seed contains about 25% oil[]. No further details are given, but it is likely to be edible.

A hair shampoo is made from the leaves[].

A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a warm greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid and no special pretreatment is needed, although germination will be faster if the seed is abraded or soaked prior to sowing[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year and to plant them out in early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[]. They generally strike readily, particularly if cuttings are taken on an angle through a node and rooting hormone is applied to their ends[]. Overwinter them in a warm greenhouse and plant out after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of mature wood, early autumn in a frame. Good percentage[].
Layering in mid summer to early autumn[].