Meaning of Rose of Sharon

The Rose of Sharon is not truly a "rose." It is a member of the Hibiscus family, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The hibiscus flower traditionally represents "delicate beauty."

Biblical Reference
In the Bible, the Rose of Sharon symbolizes beauty, and it is used in the book of Song of Solomon to describe the beauty of King Solomon's lover.

Biblical Significance
Jesus Christ is called the Rose of Sharon in Christian works because of the similarities between the plant and Christ.

Description
The Rose of Sharon is a flowering bush or shrub known for its large blooms. It can be pruned into the shape of a tree. The most popular colors of Rose of Sharon are shades of pink, white and blue. This shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide.

Care
Rose of Sharon bushes bloom on new wood, and should be pruned in the early spring. The National Gardening Association suggests leaving only two to three buds per branch to encourage the growth of larger flowers.

Habitat
Rose of Sharon thrives best in hardiness zones 5B through 9A, where temperatures do not normally go below -20° F.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5876942_meaning-rose-sharon_.html

Rose of Sharon Information

Rose of Sharons ( Hibiscus syriacus) are old-fashioned shrubs with showy flowers that resemble tropical hibiscus.

Plant Description
The Rose of Sharon is a shrub with an upright, vase shape. It grows up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The Rose of Sharon is deciduous, which means it loses its leaves in the winter.

Flower Description

The flowers on the Rose of Sharon are funnel-shaped with single or double petals. The long-lasting flowers can be white, red, pink and purple. Rose of Sharons bloom from mid-summer through fall.

Culture
Rose of Sharons prefer well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline to neutral in full sun to partial shade. The shrubs are hardy in zones 5 to 9, based on the United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone Map (see Resources).

Uses
Rose of Sharons can be used as specimen plants or in borders. The flowers attract butterflies and bees.

Benefits
Rose of Sharons are tolerant of heat, humidity and salt. Deer and rabbits do not like to eat Rose of Sharons.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5183527_rose-sharon-information.html