Bluebird Rose of Sharon

Question

In the winter of 2009, I bought and moved into a new home. I ordered flowers and shrubs and all that stuff in time to plant it all in the spring. I actually paid EXTRA for 2 Bluebird Rose of Sharon, and I planted them on either side of the walk leading up to my front porch, then eagerly waited for them to bloom. They were/are very healthy trees; however, one of them blooms white and the other blooms a pale shade of lavender.

Instead of thinking that I was ripped of when I purchased them, I have decided to wonder if the colors come from the alkalinity or acidity of the soil. So my question is this: If the company did indeed send me the Bluebirds I ordered, what kind of soil should they have? Does the blue coloring require alkaline or acid to bring it out?

Thank you very much for reading this. I really appreciate any advice you can offer.

Sincerely,
Angela Profitt

Answer 1

There certainly can be miss-labeling of plants in a garden center or greenhouse. It does happen!

The flowers of a Bluebird Rose of Sharon do vary, you can see colors from white to dark purple.

Though optimum soil and growing conditions can improve the flowering and color intensity, the ph of the soil will not ‘change’ the color of your plants.

Here are some links that will help you.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/rose-of-sharon-bush.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/blue-hibiscus-information.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rose-of-sharon/pruning-rose-of-sharon.htm