Shrub Althaea, Rose of Sharon

Frost Tolerance: Mostly deciduous in Phoenix

Heat Tolerance: Afternoon shade in the hot areas

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Pakistan

Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub to 10 feet tall (3 m), 6 feet in width (1.8 m), can be trained to have a single trunk; alternate, coarsely toothed, smooth leaves, often with 3 lobes, up to 3 inches long (7.5 cm), 1.6 inches wide (4 cm)

Flowers: White, red or blue flowers

Watering Needs: Regular deep watering, some drought tolerance, needs good drainage, prefers soil with added organic matter

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in spring, semi-hardwood in summer, hardwood cutting in winter without leaves, seeds, layering of the lower flexible branches

Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 526.

Blooming Habits:
The simple or double flowers in summers are bigger (up to 4 inches 10 cm) if the bush has been trimmed in winter. Several new varieties, and most of the ones with double flowers, do not set seeds, and thus, avoid the unattractive looking seed pods.

Culture:
Cutting it back in the fall, makes it give larger-sized flowers.