Rose of Sharon isn't a rose, but its large, flat blossoms
and nectar attract hummingbirds and tiny insects.
Native to China and India, they have been cultivated as long as records exist.
The Chinese used the flowers and leaves for food. Thomas Jefferson grew them
from seed, and was documented to have planted them at all three of his homes.
The flowers on this woody shrub come in several colors, including white, pink,
purple, and red. Its leaves don't come out until late in spring, causing false
everal kinds have dark-colored centers in the flowers, and single-flowering
types are quite common. Seedlings often sprout in nearby areas. Propagation
from cuttings is usually preferred, because unlike seedlings, rooted cuttings
will be exactly like their parents.
Identification credit: Tabish
Photographed in
Manipur
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The flower labeled Rose of Sharon is ...
ative