SHREVEPORT, La. - Garden enthusiasts looking to add color to their yards during the hottest months of the year may want to consider Althea shrubs, commonly known as Rose of Sharon.
During this week’s KTBS Garden Club segment at Akin’s Nursery, Jennifer McGimsey and Julie Rogers showcased several popular varieties of the shrub, which is known for its hibiscus-like blooms that flourish throughout the summer.
"They are deciduous shrubs that are covered with these hibiscus blooms in the summer months," McGimsey explained. "We absolutely love them because they’re in bloom in the hot summer months when nothing else is.”
Rogers shared several of her favorite varieties currently available, including the Pink Chiffon and Blue Satin Azure, which features soft lavender-toned blooms.
The pair also highlighted the Lil' Kim variety, a dwarf option ideal for smaller landscapes.
For gardeners with more room to work with, McGimsey recommended the White Pillar and Purple Pillar varieties. The upright shrubs can reach heights of 8 to 10 feet while maintaining a narrow shape.