Lucy Rose of Sharon

Lucy Rose of Sharon is an upright flowering shrub known for its large, double red-pink flowers with a full, peony-like appearance. The showy blooms begin appearing in midsummer and may continue into early fall, providing dependable color after many spring-flowering shrubs have finished blooming.

Its naturally vase-shaped growth habit makes Lucy a good choice as a specimen plant, flowering hedge, privacy screen, background shrub, or tall addition to a mixed border. It can also be trained into a small ornamental tree by gradually removing selected lower branches. Give the plant enough room to reach its mature height and width so it can maintain its natural shape without frequent trimming.

Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators regularly visit the flowers. Pairing Lucy Rose of Sharon with other summer-blooming plants can help provide nectar throughout the hottest part of the growing season. Our guide to flowering plants and shrubs that attract pollinators includes additional choices for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Plant Lucy Rose of Sharon in full sun for the strongest growth and heaviest flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but plants receiving less sunlight may produce fewer blooms. Choose well-drained soil and water regularly during the first growing season while the roots become established.

Once established, Lucy generally handles Southern heat, humidity, and short dry periods well. Apply two to three inches of mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping the mulch several inches away from the main stems.

Because Rose of Sharon blooms on new growth, Lucy can be pruned in late winter or early spring before fresh leaves appear. Remove dead, damaged, weak, or crossing branches first, then lightly shape the remaining growth if necessary.

The University of Illinois Extension Rose of Sharon guide identifies Lucy as a double red-flowering cultivar and provides additional information about growing Rose of Sharon.

With full sun, proper spacing, and simple seasonal care, Lucy Rose of Sharon can provide dependable summer flowers for many years.