Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon

The Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is known for its unique columnar or narrow growth habit, which is a distinctive feature setting it apart from other varieties. It reaches a height of 10 to 16 feet and spreads about 4 to 5 feet, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. The plant thrives in full sun, which is categorized as receiving 6+ hours of sunlight per day, and showcases its beautiful purple flowers from summer through fall. The flowers are semi-double, meaning they possess two or more layers of petals, with the stamens and pistil being visible.

This plant is adaptable to a range of USDA Hardiness Zones from 5a to 9b, making it a hardy choice for different climatic regions. It's recognized for its heat and drought tolerance, which coupled with its deer-resistant nature, makes it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. The long blooming period is a gardener's delight, providing a continuous splash of color in the landscape. Besides its aesthetic appeal, the Purple Pillar® is a magnet for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity in the garden.

• Screening and Hedging: Its tall and narrow growth habit makes it an ideal choice for creating privacy screens or hedges. It can be used to delineate property boundaries or obscure unsightly views in a garden or yard.
• Container Planting: Due to its compact width, it's suitable for container planting. It can adorn patios, balconies, or entrances, providing a touch of color and greenery in confined spaces.
• Focal Point: With its distinctive growth habit and vibrant purple blooms, it can serve as a focal point or specimen plant in a garden, drawing attention and adding architectural interest to the landscape.
• Border Planting: It can be used in borders, either as a single plant or in a series, adding height and color to border plantings.
• Vertical Interest: The Purple Pillar® adds vertical interest to gardens, breaking the horizontal monotony and providing a visual lift.
• Mass Planting: Though individually slender, when planted in mass, they can create a dramatic effect with their towering heights and abundant blooms.
• Mixed Planting Beds: Its slender growth habit allows it to fit well in mixed planting beds without overwhelming neighboring plants. It can be paired with shorter and spreading plants for a varied texture and height contrast.
• Wildlife Attraction: The plant attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thus it's beneficial in wildlife-friendly gardens.
• Tall Accents: It can be used to flank entrances or pathways with its tall, upright form, providing structured accents to garden design.
• Urban Gardens: Its compact spread makes it a good choice for urban gardens where space is limited but height is desired.

These landscaping uses make the Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon a versatile and valuable addition to various garden settings and design schemes.

Planting Instructions:

• Location: Choose a location that receives full sun, which means the area should get at least 6+ hours of sunlight per day.
• Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining. You may amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage.
• Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant at the same level it was in the container. For individual plants, adhere to a spacing of 48 to 60 inches to allow for growth and air circulation.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. While the Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon is drought-tolerant once established, it will benefit from consistent watering during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.

Care Instructions:

• Watering: Once established, reduce the frequency of watering. However, during prolonged dry spells, additional watering may be necessary.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pruning: Little to no pruning is required due to its narrow habit. If desired, any pruning should be done in early spring to maintain shape or remove any wild branches or dead wood.
• Winter Care: While specific winter care instructions were not provided, it's advised to avoid planting in areas where snow may fall off roofs. In colder zones, applying mulch can help protect the root system during winter.
• Pest and Disease Management: Monitor the plant for common pests and diseases. If any issues arise, treat with appropriate organic or chemical controls, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Drainage: Ensure the area has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Additional Tips:

• Pollinator Attraction: The Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting a lively and biodiverse garden.
• Deer Resistance: The plant is noted for its deer resistance, which is a bonus in areas where deer browsing is a concern.