Can the rose of sharon be planted in the Cleveland (harsh) weather zone?
Answer “Rose of Sharon” is the popular name for Hibiscus syriacus (aka as Althea syriacus). After years of work, the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) has introduced several varieties (http://www.usna.usda.gov/Newintro/hibiscus.pdf#search=’rose%20of%20sharon%20usna…) developed under its own intensive breeding program. You can read about them on the USNA’s webpage linked above. The new USNA varieties are widely available, and probably in stock right now at your favorite local nursery or by mail order. Although they offer bright new colorings, these introductions offer a key advantage over older varieties: They do not seed everywhere you look – a habit I would have greatly appreciated when my own neighbor fell in love with Rose of Sharon and planted it along his border; now their offspring grow up and down my driveway in deep shade sprouting here, there and everywhere, like massive dandelions with strong roots and tough stems. I highly recommend these kinder, gentler Roses of Sharon. Ther
