Raspberry Smoothie Althea (Rose Of Sharon) – 3 Gallon Pot

Rose of Sharon are one of the most under rated and under used plants in existence. These wonderful large shrubs or small trees produce loads of large, beautiful flowers throughout much of the summer that both you and the butterflies and hummingbirds will enjoy. So, make sure to plant yours where you can watch these winged beauties swarm the flowers throughout summer.

In summer, the Raspberry Smoothie Rose of Sharon produces dark purple buds that open and quickly turn to gorgeous double flowers with unique, fuchsia-raspberry petals that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. This beauty can be grown as a large shrub or lower branches can be removed to form a magnificent small tree that serves well as a focal point in the garden. Raspberry Smoothie has performed extremely well in our gardens here in Zone 8a of mid-Georgia.

Growing 8 to 10 feet tall with a spread to about 4-6 feet, Raspberry Smoothie Althea is ideal for use in smaller garden spaces where some height is needed. Grow it as a shrub or remove some lower branches to form a very attractive small tree. Pruning is best done before new leaves emerge in late winter or early spring.

Because they are such beautiful flowering trees, we think Rose of Sharon are most useful in the landscape as a focal point specimen, however are also nice grouped or used as attractive, colorful hedges in landscape borders. Limb your Rose of Sharon up and you have a stunning small tree that fits perfectly in smaller garden spaces and in home foundation plantings, around patios and other outdoor living spaces.

Suggested Spacing:  4 feet apart for solid hedge; 8 feet or more apart for space between plants

Rose of Sharon are very easy to grow and maintain. Simply plant them where the sun shines most of the day. A little light shade is okay, but too much shade and plants will be more leggy and flowering diminished. They are not too particular about soil type and very drought tolerant once established. They require little if any pruning, though a stray or broken branch can be removed any time of year.