How to Propogate a Rose of Sharon

Overview

The Rose of Sharon is a tall tree-like plant, growing up to 10 feet tall. During the summer months it blooms prolifically with large, showy flowers that can be white, pink, red, blue, or purple in color, sometimes on the same plant. The foliage is also beautiful with large, glossy, serrated green leaves. Growing well in the most of the United States from hardiness zone 5B through 9A and requiring little attention, once established, Rose of Sharon plants can be easily propagated by cuttings.

Starting Rose of Sharon Cuttings

Step 1

Combine equal parts of coarse sand or perlite and peat moss to act as as rooting medium. Fill a planting flat with the mixture. Water the soil so that it is damp but not wet.

Step 2

Select either softwood or hardwood stems from healthy Rose of Sharon plants with smaller leaves and buds. Take cuttings from these stems approximately 4 to 6 inches long. Be sure each cutting has at least three pairs of leaves.

Step 3

Remove the bottom pair of leaves with sharp knife and dust the cut end with rooting compound. Tap the end of the cutting to remove any excess.

Step 4

Insert the cuttings 1/3 to 1/2 their length into the damp rooting medium. Water the cuttings well and place them in a warm, sunny area, watering regularly, but do not over water. Tent each flat with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.

Step 5

The Rose of Sharon cuttings will begin to root after a few weeks. Transplant each cutting, once well rooted, to a 1 gallon pot to grow out. Once they have matured, they can be transplanted to the landscape.