PLANT OF THE YEAR 2017

Plant of the Year 2017

Rose of Sharon
(Hibiscus syriacus)

Rose of Sharon is a flowering plant native to Asia and blossoms through summer with pink, purple, or white blossoms.

The Rose of Sharon mentioned in the King James version of the Bible is not the same flower that is called Rose of Sharon in North America. Scholars believe it was most likely a crocus based on the type of flowers that grow in the Levant region.

The leaves of the Rose of Sharon are used in Korea as a tea and the petals of the flower are eaten.

This is similar to Hibiscus sabdariffa , commonly called Bissap drink in Senegal, West Africa and drank throughout the Africana diaspora in North and South America and throughout Asia and Europe.

Throughout this year we will explore ways to cultivate and work with the Rose of Sharon plant.

Blessings!