Hibiscus syriacus 'Morning Star'

Morning Star Rose-of-Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Morning Star’ is an attractive deciduous flowering shrub valued for its soft pastel blooms and long flowering season. It develops an upright, vase-shaped habit with dense green foliage that provides a strong backdrop through the growing season. From mid-summer into early fall, large single flowers appear in pale lavender-pink tones with a prominent crimson-red eye, creating a gentle but eye-catching display in the landscape.

Type: Deciduous shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 6–8 ft
Height: 8–10 ft
(10-year size: typically 6–8 ft tall)

USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Upright, vase-shaped shrub
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average, well-drained soils; tolerant of clay and urban conditions
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; deer moderately resistant


Features & Landscape Uses


Pale lavender-pink flowers with crimson eye



Long bloom period from mid-summer to fall



Soft summer color for mixed plantings



Ideal for hedges, screens, and specimen plantings




Care
Prune in late winter or early spring since flowers form on new wood. Remove unwanted seedlings if naturalizing is not desired. Adaptable to heat, humidity, and urban conditions once established.

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

8-10'

Width

6'-8'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Humus rich, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Upright, Vase Shaped

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No