The Rose of Sharon, also called Althea and Hardy Hibiscus, isn’t a rose, but is a member of the Hibiscus family. It is valued for its large summer flowers produced at a time when few other plants bloom. It has a long bloom period lasting from early summer to mid-fall. It is suited to individual plantings, groupings, shrub borders, hedges, and screens. It is a hardy plant that is tolerant of summer heat and is an easy shrub to grow. It is vigorous, erect, and multi-stemmed, but may also be trained as a single trunk tree or espalier. Rose of Sharon keeps its tight upright form as it grows and requires little pruning. Leaves are diamond-shaped and dark green, emerging late in the spring. The trumpet shaped flowers are 2-4 inches across in colors of white, pink, red, violet or purple. They stay open for one day and close at night. Ample moisture and some protection from midday sun will produce the most flowers. Plant about 2-3 feet apart for a single row hedge.