Avoid Unwanted Rose of Sharon Seedlings

Rose of Sharon is a mid-summer blooming favorite of gardeners and hummingbirds. But older varieties also add unwanted seedlings to the lawn and garden.

Avoid this problem by growing varieties that produce sterile or no seeds at all. The US National Arboretum introduced Diana, Minerva, Helena and Aphrodite that produce little or no seeds. Other plant breeders are continuing to introduce new sterile or seedless varieties.

Prevent unwanted seedlings on older varieties with a bit of deadheading. Remove the faded flowers and the developing seedpods before they have a chance to form seeds.  This is work, but less tedious than digging hundreds of seedlings out of the lawn. If you choose to use a chemical look for one of the weed killers labeled for this use.  Spot treat the unwanted seedlings to minimize the impact on the environment. As always, read and follow label directions carefully.

A bit more information:  Rose of Sharon flowers come as single or double in white, pink to red or blue to purple. Some have white, rose-pink or red centers. Sugar Tip, Azurri Blue Satin and Blue Angel are a few of the seedless varieties now available.