How to Grow Weeping Rose of Sharon

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Weeping Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Pendula'

shrub

Weeping Rose of Sharon is a cascading ornamental shrub with gracefully drooping branches and hibiscus-like flowers that bloom throughout late summer and fall. The weeping form creates an elegant focal point in the landscape, reaching 6-10 feet tall and wide depending on training. Despite its delicate appearance, this cultivar is hardy, pest-resistant, and long-lived.

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Example Weeping Rose of Sharon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Weeping Rose of Sharon
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Weeping Rose of Sharon
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Weeping Rose of Sharon dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for best flowering; tolerates partial shade but blooms will be reduced

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Water: Moderate water needs once established. Water regularly during first growing season to establish deep roots. Drought-tolerant when mature, but performs better with consistent moisture during summer heat and flowering.

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Spacing: 48 inches

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Days to maturity: Flowers appear within first year, but full mature form develops over 3-5 years

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; slightly higher in heavy clay soils

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost peat moss aged manure for initial planting

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

1 year

Young plant is compact with upright growth initially; weeping habit becomes apparent within first season as branches lengthen and cascade downward

Water deeply twice weekly if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Stake the central leader loosely to encourage upright growth while allowing branches to weep naturally. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around base.

Growth

2-3 years

Plant develops full cascading form with longer branches spreading outward and downward; foliage is bright green and healthy; minor branching becomes pronounced

Allow shape to develop naturally with minimal pruning. Remove any crossing or damaged branches. Thin interior growth if needed to improve air circulation. Begin light fertilizing in spring.

Pre-flowering

Recurring annually starting year 2

Branches are mature and fully weeping, reaching final dimensions; buds begin to form in late July through August

Do not prune heavily; only remove dead wood or shape excessively long branches. Increase watering during hot, dry periods to support bud development. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Flowering & Bloom

8-12 weeks

Abundant single or double flowers (depending on variety) in colors of white, pink, purple, or bi-colors bloom profusely on cascading branches from August through September or first frost

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and maintain plant energy. Maintain consistent moisture; do not allow soil to dry completely during peak bloom. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with bloom-promoting fertilizer.

Dormancy & Winter

4-5 months

Foliage yellows and drops; bare weeping branches create elegant winter silhouette; plant enters complete dormancy

Cease fertilizing in late August. Do not prune heavily in fall; wait until early spring after last frost. In zone 5, apply winter mulch around base for protection. No watering needed during dormancy unless extremely dry.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Buddleia (butterfly bush) Coreopsis Daylilies Salvia Russian sage Black-eyed Susan Lavender Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone) Extremely aggressive vines (which may smother weeping form) Plants requiring heavy shade (due to sun requirements of Rose of Sharon)

Common Pests

Hand-pick early morning; use netting if severe; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
Remove affected leaves; prune out infested branches; apply horticultural oil in late winter to kill overwintering larvae
Spray foliage with strong water spray to dislodge; increase humidity; apply miticide if populations are high
Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators
Spray with water; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings

Uses

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Specimen & focal point

Ornamental

The dramatic weeping form makes Weeping Rose of Sharon an ideal specimen plant for small gardens, Japanese-inspired landscapes, and as a focal point near patios or water features. The cascading silhouette provides year-round visual interest. [source]

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Pollinator & butterfly garden

Wildlife

The abundant late-summer flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds during a time when other plants are waning, providing crucial late-season nectar for migrating monarchs and native pollinators. [source]

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Cut flowers for arrangements

Household

The delicate hibiscus blooms are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and last several days in water, bringing tropical elegance indoors during late summer and early fall. [source]

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Herbal tea & traditional medicine

Medicinal

Hibiscus flowers are used in herbal teas (especially in tropical regions) and traditional medicine for potential antihypertensive and antioxidant properties, though Weeping Rose of Sharon is primarily ornamental. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not applicable; Rose of Sharon is ornamental only. Cut flowers can be harvested by snipping branches in morning for fresh arrangements, which encourages fuller branching.

Fun Facts

🌱 Rose of Sharon is not actually from Sharon (a region in the Middle East) despite its common name—it is native to Southeast Asia and was named by 19th-century European horticulturists who romanticized its exotic origins.
🌱 The 'Pendula' weeping form was developed through selective breeding to enhance the naturally cascading growth habit, creating a living sculpture that can take on shapes resembling weeping willows or fountains.
🌱 Weeping Rose of Sharon can live 50+ years with proper care, becoming a long-lived investment piece in the landscape that deepens in character and presence with age.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

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