Red Heart Rose of Sharon Althea Shrub

Red Heart is a deciduous Hibiscus syriacus shrub with large white flowers and conspicuous deep-red centers. Its upright, medium-sized form reaches about 5–8 feet high and wide, with flowering beginning in late summer. ## Planting and Display This rose of Sharon makes a strong focal plant in a sunny shrub border. The flowers are single and can reach about 4 inches across; the petals are pure white, set off by the vivid red eye. [Royal Horticultural Society: Hibiscus syriacus ‘Red Heart’](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/90118/hibiscus-syriacus-red-heart/details) ## Seasonal Interest Red Heart flowers from late summer, when the bright centers stand out against dark green, lobed leaves. Its bushy, upright habit and mature spread of roughly 5–8 feet suit a mixed border or a specimen planting. ## Maintenance Give this deciduous shrub full sun and moist, well-drained soil. The RHS profile lists chalk, clay, loam, or sand and recommends a sheltered position. Water during establishment and dry spells, and prune lightly as needed to retain the shrub’s natural shape.