Lil' Kim® Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus ‘Antong Two’) is a charming dwarf deciduous flowering shrub prized for its compact growth habit, abundant white flowers with deep red centers, and exceptionally long summer blooming season. Its smaller size makes it an excellent alternative to traditional Rose of Sharon varieties, providing beautiful summer color without overwhelming smaller landscape spaces.
Beginning in midsummer and continuing into early fall, Lil' Kim® produces an abundance of elegant white flowers accented by striking burgundy-red centers. Each flower lasts longer than those of many traditional Rose of Sharon varieties, creating a beautiful and dependable display throughout the summer months.
Its naturally compact, rounded habit makes Lil' Kim® an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, low flowering hedges, mass plantings, and patio gardens. The flowers attract pollinators, while its manageable size and easy-care nature make it especially appealing to homeowners looking for colorful, low-maintenance landscaping.
More About Lil' Kim® Rose of Sharon
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Low Maintenance
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Moderate Growing
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Dwarf Deciduous Flowering Shrub
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White Flowers with Deep Red Centers
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Long Summer Bloom Period
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Compact, Rounded Growth Habit
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Heat Tolerant
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Drought Tolerant Once Established
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Pollinator Friendly
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Attracts Butterflies
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Excellent for Smaller Landscapes
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Foundation Planting, Mixed Border, Low Hedge, Mass Planting, Accent, Container
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Excellent Late-Summer Color
Height: 3–4 Feet
Spread: 3–4 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 5–9
Characteristics
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Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
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Season of Interest: Summer into Early Fall
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Soil Moisture: Average, Well Draining
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Attributes: Dwarf, Compact, Flowering, Heat Tolerant, Pollinator Friendly
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Foliage Color: Green
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Flower Color: White with Deep Burgundy-Red Center
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and most abundant flower production. Lil' Kim® Rose of Sharon prefers fertile, well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of soil conditions. Its compact growth habit makes it particularly useful near foundations, patios, walkways, and smaller landscape beds.
Watering:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Lil' Kim® has good drought tolerance, although supplemental watering during extended hot and dry periods will help maintain healthy foliage and consistent flowering.
Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning:
Lil' Kim® Rose of Sharon blooms on new wood, making late winter or early spring the ideal time for pruning. Its naturally compact habit requires minimal maintenance. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and lightly shape as needed to maintain a tidy appearance.
Winter Care:
Lil' Kim® is a woody deciduous shrub that loses its leaves in fall but retains its branches through winter. Unlike perennial hardy hibiscus, it does not die back to the ground each year. New foliage develops on existing branches in spring.
