Raspberry Smoothie™ Rose of Sharon

Raspberry Smoothie™ is a deciduous rose of Sharon selected for rounded, double flowers in raspberry pink and purple tones against dark green leaves. Its upright, spreading, mounded habit makes it useful as a flowering focal shrub, in a mixed border or as part of an informal hedge. ## Flowers and form The named selection is DS03RS, covered by U.S. Plant Patent 27,196, published September 27, 2016. Seller descriptions give a mature height of about 6–8 ft and a width ranging from 3–7 ft, with USDA hardiness estimates spanning zones 5–9. The patent records long flowering in spring through autumn in Oklahoma and Texas; in other regions, the strongest display is generally during summer and fall. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun or partial shade and use well-drained soil. The shrub attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and can be used in a large container, garden border or flowering screen. Leave enough room for its broad, rounded outline rather than placing it tightly against a walkway. Sources: [U.S. Plant Patent 27,196](https://patents.justia.com/patent/PP27196) · [Glover Catalog: Raspberry Smoothie](https://glovercatalog.com/product/rose-of-sharon-raspberry-smoothie) · [Sooner Plant Farm](https://soonerplantfarm.com/plant/althea-raspberry-smoothie) · [Treeland Nursery](https://www.tree-land.com/products/raspberry-smoothie-althea) ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist while the plant establishes, then water deeply during prolonged dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring before new leaves emerge, removing damaged branches and shaping only as needed. A layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and limits weeds around the root zone.