The Rose of Sharon might look beautiful, but it’s not always the best pick for Minnesota and several other states. This plant can struggle in certain climates or even become a nuisance if it spreads too easily.
I’ve seen gardens where it didn’t thrive as expected, and it caused more work than beauty. Choosing the right plants for your area can save you time and keep your garden looking its best.
1. Minnesota
Harsh winter temperatures in Minnesota regularly plummet below the plant’s hardiness threshold. The frigid conditions damage roots and kill off new growth, preventing the shrub from establishing properly.
Most Minnesota gardeners find their Rose of Sharon dies back completely or struggles to return each spring. Consider more cold-hardy alternatives like ninebark or hydrangeas that can handle the Minnesota chill.
2. North Dakota
North Dakota’s brutal winters make growing Rose of Sharon nearly impossible. The plant simply can’t withstand temperatures that regularly dip below -20°F, leading to complete dieback or death.
Prairie winds compound the problem by causing moisture loss and physical damage. North Dakota gardeners would be better off with native options like prairie smoke or pasque flower that evolved to handle these challenging conditions.
3. Montana
Montana’s combination of frigid temperatures and dry mountain air creates a double challenge. The moisture-loving Rose of Sharon suffers in the state’s low humidity and often fails to bloom properly.
Short growing seasons in many parts of Montana don’t allow the plant enough time to establish before winter strikes. Local gardeners find better success with native shrubs like serviceberry that have adapted to Montana’s unique conditions.
4. Wyoming
Wyoming’s high elevation brings intense UV exposure that can scorch Rose of Sharon’s delicate leaves. The state’s notoriously strong winds dry out the plant and cause physical damage to its branches.
Extreme temperature fluctuations common in Wyoming stress the plant beyond its tolerance. Most Wyoming gardeners report disappointing results with Rose of Sharon and find native Wyoming plants perform much better with less maintenance.
5. Idaho
Many parts of Idaho experience prolonged cold spells that exceed what Rose of Sharon can handle. The plant’s flowering cycle gets disrupted by Idaho’s short growing season, resulting in fewer blooms.
Idaho’s arid climate in southern regions creates another problem – the shrub needs more water than is practical. Gardeners in Idaho typically achieve better results with drought-tolerant natives like sagebrush or plants adapted to mountain conditions.
6. Alaska
Alaska’s extremely short growing season prevents Rose of Sharon from completing its growth cycle. The plant barely has time to leaf out before cold temperatures return, making flowering nearly impossible.
Permafrost in many Alaska regions creates poor drainage conditions that rot the roots. Alaskan gardeners find better success with arctic-adapted plants like dwarf birch or native berries that have evolved for these extreme conditions.
7. Maine
Maine’s coastal areas bring salt spray that damages Rose of Sharon’s foliage. The plant struggles with the combination of high humidity and cold temperatures common in this northeastern state.
Heavy snow loads in Maine winters often break branches before the plant can establish a strong structure. Maine gardeners typically find better flowering results with native viburnums or beach roses that handle coastal conditions gracefully.
8. Washington
Western Washington’s excessive rainfall creates fungal problems that plague Rose of Sharon. The constant moisture leads to root rot and powdery mildew that ruins the plant’s appearance and health.
Eastern Washington presents the opposite problem with drought conditions that stress the plant. Washington gardeners generally have better luck with Pacific Northwest natives like oceanspray that have adapted to the region’s unique rainfall patterns.
9. Vermont
Vermont’s heavy snow accumulation crushes Rose of Sharon’s branches before they develop proper strength. The plant’s late spring leafing makes it vulnerable to Vermont’s unpredictable frost patterns and temperature swings.
The state’s acidic soil conditions often don’t provide the neutral pH Rose of Sharon prefers. Vermont gardeners typically find more reliable flowering with native dogwoods or serviceberries that handle the Green Mountain State beautifully.
10. South Dakota
South Dakota’s extreme temperature swings shock Rose of Sharon’s system and prevent proper establishment. The plant suffers from the state’s drying winds that increase moisture loss through leaves and stems.
Prairie conditions in South Dakota often lack the consistent moisture this shrub requires. South Dakota gardeners report much better results with prairie natives like butterfly weed or lead plant that evolved for these challenging Great Plains conditions.