Rose of Sharon's Beauty & Blessings
- Linda Crider
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
When I look outside my kitchen window during the mid summer months, this is what I see...
Pair this view of my blooming ROSE OF SHARON bush with that of a very busy hummingbird feeder a few feet away, and it's enough to make you enjoy washing dishes...almost!
I didn't plant this beauty myself; a smaller version was already established here when we moved into this home nearly a decade ago. The above photo was actually taken a few year's back when the bush was in full bloom, but it's always the same annual growth cycle. This impressive plant goes totally dormant over the colder winter months. You would think it was completely dead until the new leaves show themselves in spring followed by buds, and eventually a profusion of flowers from mid July thru late August. I'm now watching this season's blooming phase as I write this.
One of the things I've come to realize
over the past few years is that my plant medicine work has been limited. I divided plants, flowering or otherwise, into three categories: those that have medicinal value, those that simply decorate the landscape and those that do both. It has now become so obvious to me that all plants contain healing medicine in their own fashion.
So, aside from a stunning and colorful display, what does the Rose of Sharon have to offer? You usually won't find her included in medicinal herb books or on natural medicine websites, but the many hummers and insects that are attracted to those blossoms may have something to chirp or buzz about that! Aside from the obvious gifts of nectar and pollen, I did a little research to see what else this plant may hold in the way of healing medicine.
I looked into how her vibrational or energetic presence is believed to heal on an emotional level. According to one website that focuses on plant essences, the blossom is considered an uplifting "flower of joy" that"restores intuition and purity of heart."
"Rose of Sharon reminds us of the Oneness of all things, clearing guilt and anger from the solar plexus. It also eases the burdens of responsibility and feelings of deep fatigue."
Similarly, another site explains that "the only place of complete calm where we can access the infinitely loving perspective and reality of our Divine self is our hearts. This Flower helps us find this place."
The connection to the Divine self or the Divine Source suggests Rose of Sharon's spiritual significance. Christian scholars point out that it is mentioned several times in the Bible, including a poetic reference in The Song of Solomon. There are those who see it as a metaphor for Christ and a symbol of the divine love between God and humanity. One scholar's interpretation is that "The Rose of Sharon reminds us that our journey towards spiritual maturity requires nurturing, patience, and perseverance."
So there is more to this lovely plant than just aesthetic appeal. Aside from the emotional balancing ability and spiritual meanings, I was surprised to learn that the flower is edible, making it an attractive and refreshing additive to salads. I've also noticed that it is available to purchase in the form of an anointing oil for topical use.
Those of you who are flower savvy may recognize it as a hibiscus, and you would be correct. The Latin name is Hibiscus syriacus, but although all Rose of Sharon plants are in the hibiscus family, not all hibiscus are Rose of Sharons. Since it is a hibiscus variety, I was not surprised to read that one of the physically healing benefits of the plant is that it supports heart health. Hibiscus tea has diuretic properties, and is well documented as one that helps to lower blood pressure.
Since we're experiencing a full moon in the earthy sign of Capricorn, you may be seeking practical gardening advice. There are several Rose of Sharon varieties, so for detailed info and helpful tips about planting this seemingly tropical, but surprisingly hardy botanical, you'll find lots of details on The Farmer's Almanac website.
For now, I'll go look to see if there are any dishes to wash as my Rose of Sharon continues to blossom. Oh, and by the way, check out who is now hanging on the wall directing visitors to this lovely bush and overseeing the evergreens and other outdoor plants. I call her my Garden Goddess:
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
