Hibiscus syriacus ‘Jeanne D’Arc’, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is a deciduous flowering shrub admired for its elegant double white blooms that appear from midsummer into fall. This non-native cultivar grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, forming a vase-shaped, upright habit that works beautifully in borders, screens, or as a summer-flowering focal point. Its showy flowers attract generalist pollinators, but it lacks the ecological benefits of native hibiscus species and does not support specialist insects or birds.

Why choose ‘Jeanne D’Arc’ Rose of Sharon:

• Late-season color: White double blooms shine from July into September

• Upright habit: Ideal for vertical structure in tight or formal plantings

• Heat and drought tolerant: Reliable performer in sunny, low-maintenance gardens

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Requires full sun for best flowering

• Soil needs: Prefers well-drained soils; tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions

• Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and vigor

Designs for your garden:

• Flowering hedge: Use in rows for a summer privacy screen with elegant blooms

• Mixed borders: Adds height and long bloom time to pollinator gardens

• Accent shrub: Beautiful in formal or cottage garden designs

Ecological considerations:

• Non-native species: Provides minimal benefit to native pollinators and wildlife

• Not a host plant: Does not support native caterpillars or specialist insects

• Best used with natives: Combine with native shrubs and perennials for habitat diversity

Looking for native alternatives?

Hibiscus moscheutos – Swamp Rose Mallow: A native hibiscus with large, showy blooms that support pollinators and thrive in moist soils.
Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ – Ruby Spice Summersweet: A compact native shrub with fragrant pink summer flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’ – Dwarf Summersweet: A smaller native cultivar with white, fragrant blooms perfect for borders and pollinator-friendly designs.