Rose of Sharon Flowering Hibiscus Shrub History, Fun Facts and Festivals

*Hibiscus “Rose of Sharon”* *Flowers* – *My Photo Gallery*

History and Culture References of the “Rose of Sharon” Hibiscus Shrub

Solomon, the third king of Israel and Judah and son of David, wrote in the book, “Song of Solomon” in the 10th Century BCE, a collection of love poems. The “Rose of Sharon” was used to describe the beauty of King Solomon’s lover.

Contrary to popular belief, the Rose of Sharon flowering shrub is not a true rose but a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae). The name stems from a biblical reference in the Song of Solomon.

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a hardy, deciduous shrub native to China, Taiwan, parts of the Korean Penninsula and India), not Syria as its botanical name suggests. Cultivated for centuries, it was introduced to Europe in the 16th century by Dutch traders often known as “tree hollyhock”.

History and Culture of the Rose of Sharon Cont…

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), has been a staple in European gardens since its introduction in the 16th century, particularly popular in English gardens and during the Victorian era.

Rose of Sharon became popular in American gardens by the 18th century, with Thomas Jefferson growing them.

The flower is deeply embedded in South Korean culture, representing “immortality” or “inexhaustible abundance”. It has been nicknamed “Blossom from Heaven” since before the Gojoseon Era (2333 BCE to 108 BCE) and today is featured in the national anthem.

The name appears in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath as the name of the eldest daughter, symbolizing resilience, endurance, and biblical renewal.

Notable Rose of Sharon and Tropical Hibiscus Festivals

While Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a specific hardy shrub popular in temperate climates, it is often celebrated within broader hibiscus flower celebrations.

Rose of Sharon Festival (Mugunghwa Festival) Sejong City, South Korea which has a dedicated national Flower Park. An annual event takes place in August where celebrations highlight the flower’s resilience, featuring thousands of blooms, parades, and cultural performances.

Hibiscus Festival in the South Pacific Ocean Island of Suva, Fiji is the largest most famous hibiscus-related event in the world. The celebration often features the tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) known for its colorful large blooms. It is known as the “mother of all festivals” which includes floats, music and massive displays of hibiscus flowers, generally August or September. The centerpiece is the crowning of the Hibiscus Queen, a popular beauty pageant showcasing Pacific heritage and talent.

Punta Gorda Hibiscus Festival (Punta Gorda, FL): Held in Gilchrist Park, this event is a major celebration of the city’s connection to the flower, featuring thousands of hybrids, vendors, and local history known as “The City of Hibiscus.
Edison Ford Spring Garden Festival (Fort Myers, FL): Features a large collection of plant vendors, including many hibiscus sellers.
Acadiana Hibiscus Show & Sale (Louisiana): Usually held in May, this show offers hundreds of hibiscus varieties for purchase and a “name that bloom” contest.

*Source: How to Grow Rosa-sinensis Tropical Hibiscus*

Note: Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis): Typically produces large, showy blooms that often measure 4 to 8 inches in diameter. Hardy Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): Typically produces smaller flowers comparably, usually measuring 2 to 3 inches, or sometimes up to 4 inches in diameter

United States & Canada Late Summer Gardens

Vancouver, BC: The UBC Botanical Garden features the hardy Hibiscus syriacus, Rose of Sharon.
New England/Northeast USA: The shrub is ubiquitous in many states, featuring in local summer garden tours in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Texas: Popular in landscapes and often found in municipal gardens during late summer.

*Chinese Porcelain Flower Art Exhibitions*

Other Notable Garden Locations and Celebrations

Beijing, China: Chinese porcelain flower art exhibitions and gardens often feature local hibiscus varieties, as the plant is believed to have originated in China.
Malaysia: The hibiscus is the national flower (Bunga Raya), and it is celebrated year-round, particularly in botanical gardens, as it blooms all year long.
Germany (Late Summer): Hibiscus syriacus “Rose of Sharon” is widely grown, with photographic examples from various garden locations. It can be found blooming during summer town events, such as the Lake Night Festival (Stadtgartenfest Konstanz) on Lake Constance in August.
Mediterranean Region: Rose os Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) thrives in the heat and sun, and is common in countries like Spain (Mallorca) and Greece (Crete).