We have some really nice plantings around our office (go figure), and each week it’s fun to take a stroll to see what’s looking especially good.
Right now, one of the stars is a Hibiscus syriacus, which is a little odd for mid-June in Michigan. These plants are still foliage-only at this time, with flowers to come a bit later in the summer. I appreciate green foliage and nice branching as much as the next plant nerd, but to stand out amongst all of the roses and spirea in bloom right now, a plant needs some flash.
The variegated Sugar Tip® varieties do just that. While the original Sugar Tip® has been a favorite for many years, Sugar Tip® Gold is pretty nice, too.
Whereas the original Sugar Tip® has green and white variegated foliage and cotton candy pink blooms, Sugar Tip®, Gold has green and yellow leaves. Its flowers are lavender rather than pink.
Flowers are pretty, but honestly, the foliage right now is what is impressing me.
The Sugar Tip® varieties are a little smaller than typical rose of Sharon: Sugar Tip® is 5-6′ tall, and Sugar Tip® Gold is 4-5′ tall. Both do well in full sun, although I’ve had one of the original Sugar Tip® plants in part shade for years, and it’s been quite happy (and has become one of my favorite plants).
Both are hardy in USDA 5-9.
But wait! There’s more!
The Sugar Tip® varieties are sterile!
I’ve been busy with my annual project of digging up rose of Sharon seedlings from an ill-advised ‘Blue Bird’ and love – LOVE – that the Sugar Tip planted in another part of the yard does not seed.
Other sterile options are Azurri Blue Satin®, Orchid Satin®, and Purple Satin®.
Want to read more about hardy Hibiscus and its handsome family? Take a look at my article on GardenSMART.
Greetings, I have two Sugar Tipped ROS and they are just beautiful. I have made ROS a hobby and can’t stop. I also love Danica ROS. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for the comment! Roses of Sharon just light up the garden!
I have 2 and have been beautiful for 3 years. This year one came back with verigated green leaves and the other one never got a green leaf bud. What happened?
Hi there,
We’re sorry to hear about your plant and would love to help you identify the issue. To get started, please send us some photos of the plant along with details about your garden’s zone, soil, and any other relevant conditions. This information will help us better understand the situation and recommend a solution.
You can submit everything through our Request for Plant Help form on the Proven Winners ColorChoice website:
https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/contact-us/
If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!
I have 3 “Sugar Tip” Rose of Sharon that are easily 7’ to 8’ tall. Much taller than expected. They are good and lasting bloomers but exceed the height i had planned on. I will try to prune 1/3 off the top and see what happens.