Hibiscus syriacus ‘Rose of Sharon’ 50+ SEEDS

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Rose of Sharon’

Malvaceae: a hardy deciduous upright and vase-shaped shrub to 4 m. found wild on mountain slopes, though the original habitat is obscure. The flowers are large trumpet-shaped and pink, blooming in August-October. The leaves are oak-like in appearance. Native to East Asia – China-India. Locally naturalised in Southern Europe.

USES:

The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, they have a very mild flavour, though slightly on the tough side, they make an acceptable addition to the salad bowl. A tea is made from the leaves and the flowers.

The leaves have diuretic, expectorant and stomachic properties. A decoction of the flowers has diuretic, ophthalmic and stomachic properties. Used in the treatment of itch and other skin diseases.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Rose of Sharon seeds don't have any natural dormancy and can be sown without any pre-treatment. Germination will be speeded up by soaking the seeds in cold water for 12 hours before sowing. Sow the seeds in plug trays or seed trays filled with a good quality compost and cover with a light sprinkle of compost. Then firm gently before watering. Seeds should begin to show signs of germination after a week to 10 days. Move seedlings into larger containers as soon as they are large enough to handle. Seedlings will grow fastest when kept weed free and well-watered.

Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Dislikes shade or badly drained soils.

HARVESTED: 2016

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS