rose of Sharon

American  

noun

1. Also called althea.  a widely cultivated shrub or small tree, Hibiscus syriacus, of the mallow family, having showy white, reddish or purplish flowers.

2. Also called Aaron's-beard.  a St.-John's-wort, Hypericum calycinum, having evergreen foliage and showy yellow flowers.

3. a plant mentioned in the Bible.

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rose of Sharon British  

noun

1. Also called: Aaron's beard.  a creeping shrub, Hypericum calycinum , native to SE Europe but widely cultivated, having large yellow flowers: family Hypericaceae

2. Also called: althaea.  a Syrian malvaceous shrub, Hibiscus syriacus (or Althaea frutex ), cultivated for its red or purplish flowers

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Etymology

Origin of rose of Sharon

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Think about shrubs, such as rose of Sharon and fall-blooming hydrangea.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2021

Lamott has huge green eyes, short blonde dreadlocks and on her left ankle, a tattoo of a rose of Sharon with the words, “Trust the Captain, trust the Crew,” written on its stem.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2018

The rose of Sharon was still heavy with flowers.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison

We held the rose of Sharon branches in our open arms, held them close to our chests while the cold black water swirled all around us, trying to tug us back into the current.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

When we reached the rose of Sharon bushes, Peach stopped, ran his fingers across the graceful branches, and then looked to the top of Listening Rock.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles