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The Biblical Rose of Sharon: Not the Garden Shrub

The common garden rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is not the plant in Song of Solomon 2:1. Scholars debate the identity—candidates include red tulips, crocuses, sea daffodil, and polyanthus narcissus (paperwhites). The "lily of the valleys" is likewise not Convallaria but possibly hyacinth or Madonna lily.

rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

About Gardening: Unknown Bush Similar to Rose of Sharon – Genetic Variation; Why Isn't My Rose of Sharon Blooming? Troubleshooting a 4-Year-Old Shrub; Rose of Sharon Winter Care: Not a True Rose, But Still Needs Protection; Transplanting Mature Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus); Planting Rose of Sharon Near Shallow Buried Utility Line; When to Prune Rose of Sharon: Fall vs. Late Winter; Transplanting a Mature Rose of Sharon: Timing and Technique; Diagnosing Partial Leaf-Out in Mature Rose of Sharon Shrubs; Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): A Hardy, Long-Blooming Shrub for Hedges and Color; Rose of Sharon: Hardy, Hummingbird-Friendly Shrub

Garden Articles

Rose of Sharon Bloom Failure: Thrips and Wet Soil Investigation

Rose of Sharon Bud Drop: Water, Fertilizer, or Pests?

Propagating Rose of Sharon and Viburnum: Seeds, Cuttings, and Pest Diagnosis

Rose of Sharon Late-Season Yellowing: Fertilizer Response

Rose of Sharon Bud Drop: Water Stress or Natural Thinning

Rose of Sharon Seed Bugs: Harmless Seed Eaters

Rose of Sharon Bud Drop: Too Wet, Too Dry, or Just Natural

Plants

Finding True Red Rose of Sharon Seeds

Eradicating Rose of Sharon Seedlings and Root Suckers

Interpreting Light Green, Thin Leaves on a Rose Bush

Finding Information on 'All the Rage' Shrub Rose

White Leaves and Brown Petal Tips: Diagnosing Powdery Mildew vs. Pests on Roses

Rose of Sharon Pruning and Aphid Control Guide

Propagating Rose of Sharon from Cuttings