Sugar Tip^® Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus

I was disappointed to get this beautiful plant in such rough shape. I have recently purchased other plants that came in perfect condition. But this has what appears to be Japanese Beatles holes on many leaves, very dry crispy leaves and wilting leaves. And pruned down so low, about 3" tall when it could have fit in the box at much taller, at least a 1' or more. I don't know how this one passed the inspection to be shipped to be honest.

I have 2 "Sugar Tips" from 2 different sources, and they are the prettiest of all my many Rose of Sharon plants. I'm growing them here in Central Texas. I have had one problem with them both, from the beginning. They seem to be very prone to aphids. I first tried spraying them with soap and water, but the plants really recoiled from that and were very unhappy looking for awhile. Lately I have tried Neem Oil and an insecticide. I'm concerned, though, cause the aphids seem to come back several times a year. Anyone else had this problem with "Sugar Tips"?

I have had this shrub for 7 or 8 years now and I love it! It is beautiful and interesting to look at and the hummingbirds absolutely go crazy for the pretty little pom-pom flowers. Currently wondering how it would look as a hedge as it has shown no sign of diseases or pests.

Absolutely gorgeous shrub. NOT a semi-dwarf they claim-mine are over 12 feet now since I have only ever pruned for cross branching, never for height control (will be cutting back this winter to lower height). Blooms in August and September in eastern Pa (zone 6). I get comments all the time about its beauty (planted out front of home at edge of property in full sun all day). Flowers are double and nice light pink with dark wine center. Not a cut flower, however, since branches are thick-like most shrubs do not last in vase. No issues with disease. Never fertilized (planted in garden at edge of grassy area) but grows and grows. Never needs watering other than rain we have, really a self-sustaining plant-just the kind I love-plant it and let it grow with no maintenance (does drop flowers around on grass area so can appear messy but I usually suck them up when grass cutting next to them-others drop into garden ). Does not reseed as they say (sterile). Normal R of S can be a nightmare due to reseeding requiring maintenance. Only have 2 but if I had the room, would have a hedge of these. The variagation of leaves is slight (along edge) and looks great up close but not really that noticable from a distance. Looks nice with the dahlias I underplant since they bloom together. Allows underplanting due to shape. I have a considerable number of blooming shrubs and this is one of the best.

Stunning blooms that last throughout the summer.