Carol DM
I have had three Rose of Sharon bushes in my yard for 12 years now. They always produce white blooms with a pink center. Two years ago something amazing happened, and yesterday after a big thunderstorm and lots of rain, it happened again. I noticed these purple blooms. Of course I grabbed my camera and took lots of pictures. I usually have all white blooms.
I know with my Hydrangea the color of the blooms can change due to the acid in the soil. But I have never heard of this happening with the Rose of Sharon. They are also in the Hibiscus family.
These flowers have been around for as long as I can remember. In fact my Grandmother always had them looking in her yard. But she too had the white blooms.
I researched this subject again, after seeing this happen this year. It can be a genetic issue as well as something as simple as a bird dropping a seed from another rose of sharon bush.
I read a Harvard article about a lady that wrote in to her local co-op with the same question I have and here is part of the response, to quote part of it here..
“Many … horticultural varieties are the result of the never-ending process of spontaneous mutations that occur in all organisms and serve to create novel traits—the very stuff of evolution. You are seeing something very special happen on that Rose of Sharon. Enjoy it!”
Whatever the reason I will enjoy the purple for as long as possible. Nature has surprised me once again. Below is a photo of the white rose of sharon I have on all three bushes. Above is the purple one. I saw three of these today.
Photos ©CarolDM
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Have you had blooms change colors in your garden?
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Yes
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No
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Nice post, the Cameleon Rose changes colour as it grows and I have 2 plants
Your super secret garden pleases us again, it’s so wonderful!!!
So kind of you, I was excited to see these purple blooms. Nature is so exciting.
Nature obviously does wonders, my dear friend
Yes indeed and I seem to learn something every day!
I haven’t to experience this surprise, you’re so lucky!!
Thanks, it was a welcomed surprise.
Roses always bloom in your garden Carol…
There he is, always good to see you my friend. I love this time of year in my garden. And an extra surprise this year with this color.
I’ve also have another surprise for you.
It happened to Carol too.
Pretty white roses banged red.
I was surprised.
Now you have given me a possible explanation.
That is great to hear of others experiencing the same Robin. Each article I read seems to offer another possibility, which tells me nobody really knows the true answer. So I will just enjoy the beauty!
That is so cool Carol. Nature has magic when it comes to change!
I love it when magic happens in my garden.
my gut is there is a gentle hand guiding the magic in your garden
I have to agree with you Doc.
Sometimes, yes flowers change colors with the time especially the roses!
I wonder why? My roses never change, they remain a bright pink. But these rose of sharon do change. Kind of strange but I will enjoy the beauty.
This is what we call it magic
I guess some things are not meant to be explained, just enjoyed.
I have this happening with bougainvillea and also hibiscus. ?
Since the rose of sharon is in the hibiscus family, maybe it is a genetic occurrence.
It’s real magic. This has already happened to me.
Oh good, somebody else knows of this magic!
Just like magic they changed colors!!! Beautiful picture.
Yes it really was, and overnight! Thank you.
Very beautiful flowers. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the comment.