Rose of Sharon

  • Botanical Name:   Hibiscus syriacus
  • Common Name:   Rose of Sharon
  • Native to:   United States
  • Aliases:   Rose of Althea

    • Floral Message

    The Rose of Sharon, of the Bible, which is the oldest known reference, brings the message of love, compassion which never fails, which is new every morning.

    		Photograph of Rose of Sharon

    History and Lore about the Rose of Sharon

    Much of the history of the rose of sharon predates the current assignment of the hibiscus syriacus as the rose of sharon. The Rose of Sharon is a flower of centuries old tradition dating to Biblical times. It is first mentioned in print in the Song of Solomon Chapter 2:1 by a Shulamite woman who was a bride of King Solomon. The word comes from the Hebrew word which has been transliterated to chabatstseleth and probably refers to a type of meadow saffron or crocus which probably grew in the referenced plain of Sharon, a place in Palestine or Lasharon.

    The Rose of Sharon is used by Christians to refer to Jesus the Christ. is referred to as the Rose of Sharon as type of Christ. Jesus is not referred to anywhere in what is referred to as the New Testament as the Rose of Sharon but that does not preclude Him being referred to as such. The Song of Solomon's message is about a love affair between a king and his bride and the anthology of Jesus as King and His bride, the church, is clearly throughout Scripture.

    The Biblical reference almost certainly does not refer to what is commonly known as a Rose of Sharon which is a type of Hibiscus syriacus (Photo Above), native to Asia and the national flower of South Korea. For our purposes, we will assume the original context of the rose of sharon which is from what Jews and Christians refer to as the Hebrew Bible or Scripture.

    Interesting Facts about the Rose of Sharon

    The Hibiscus rose of sharon is a small flowered hibiscus with either a single or double bloom. The flower is approximately 3" across and is lavender to dusty lavender in color. The plant reaches a height of 8 to 12 feet when fully mature. The plant is erect to spreading with several upright stems, has dark green foliage. Blooms from late spring to fall depending on zone, climate and microclimate. This plant is not difficult to grow and will do well in most soil types. It is disease resistant but can get mildew, white fly and aphids.