What Does Rose of Sharon Smell Like?
- While Rose of Sharon flowers generally have five petals, double-flowered varieties may have 10 or more. The flowers are white or brightly colored, often with centers in contrasting colors. Pollination is by butterflies and birds that are not attracted by fragrance, but by color or flower markings.
- Though Rose of Sharon is an old garden favorite, selective breeding has produced many new varieties. These introductions have more and larger flowers, variegated leaves and less vigorous reproductive habits, but do not show increases in fragrance.
- Since Rose of Sharon is not a fragrant genus, gardeners who want both beautiful flowers and fragrance should find highly scented companion plants and shrubs. These might include clethra, lavender, old-fashioned roses and members of the carnation (Dianthus) family.