Is Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus) beneficial for pollinators?

When I think of pollinator-friendly plants, my mind immediately jumps to the classics like butterfly bush (Buddleia), milkweed (Asclepias), or bee balm (Monarda). However, there are so many more pollinator-friendly plants waiting to be added to your garden, like our newest addition, Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus). 


Hummingbird on a branch next to a pink hibiscus flower

If you think of a flower as a billboard for pollinators, then Rose of Sharon is like a giant flashing neon sign. Vibrantly-colored petals with hues of pink, purple, and blue form a massive flower with a prominent staminal column. It's hard for pollinators (and gardeners) to miss! A deep raspberry-colored eye in the center of the flower guides pollinators to its nectar reserves for a sweet, nutritious feast. 

Bee on a rose of sharon flower

In order to ensure efficient pollination, a large staminal column (tube covered in stamens) rubs against the pollinators as they reach for nectar. The result? Pollinators, especially bees, are bathed in pollen!


Don't worry, the pollinators don't seem to mind. You'll see them happily buzzing around to more flowers.


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