Heat up summer with hot blooms!

Altheas, better known as Rose of Sharon, are a beautiful blooming shrub commonly found growing in the south. They love the heat and their massive, colorful blooms make quite a statement in the garden, blooming from late summer until fall. Altheas are available in shades of red, white, pink and even purple. Plant in groups, masses or shrub borders or even as a screen or hedge.

This old-fashioned shrub was common in gardens around the turn of the century and is coming back into vogue. The newer varieties have bigger blooms and longer bloom periods. This showy plant will attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.

We suggest pairing this shrub with daylilies, viburnum, homestead purple verbena, rosemary or lantana.

Try these varieties:

• Aphrodite: A single, ruffled dark pink petal with a dark red eye.
• Diana: A single, ruffled pure white flower.
• Minerva: A single ruffled, lavender pink flower with a red eye.
• Helen: A single, ruffled white flower with a maroon eye.

Try this heat-lover in your landscape for stunning blooms that can stand up to the Hampton Roads’ summer heat and humidity.

{ Happy Gardening! Posted by McDonald Garden Center, June 22, 2010 }