Why blog about desert plants??

I never appreciated plants until I moved to Arizona. The sparse desert landscape unleashed my craving for life. Shortly after moving here from the lush Ohio countryside and cityscape, I fell in love with the wild flowers that erected themselves from the hard, cracked desert floor. The spattering of pink, white, purple, and yellow amidst the dry brown earth made me happy for these plants symbolized survival. I have been dabbling with desert flowers and plants for several years trying to give my yard "curb appeal". Here I will chronicle my fascination with desert plants.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Rose of Sharon


Hibiscus syriacus is not actually a rose. It is a heat tolerant deciduous (it loses its leaves) shrub that blooms later in the summer. Flowers can be pink, white, purple and red and its nectar attracts hummingbirds. Like other types of hibiscus, the rose of sharon bears a striking stamen. Flowering profusely, it is an attractive addition to any garden.
Not only is the rose of sharon aesthetically pleasing but it also has biblical significance. Mentioned in the Bible in a verse in Song of Solomon, the rose of sharon can symbolize one of the following: the relationship between Christ and the Church, the relationship between God and Israel, or Jesus. Many believe that the translation of this verse was incorrect and actually refers to a crocus since rose of sharon does not grow in the Middle East. There is a plain however, near the Mediterranean Sea called Sharon that has many beautiful flowers on it. This could be the reference in the biblical verse.

Other Interesting Facts about Rose of Sharon:
* "Rosasharn", the Joad's oldest daughter in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, symbolizes life
* It is the national flower of South Korea

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