Rose of Sharon

365 Guitars

Day 192

Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is the national flower for South Korea and is first mentioned some 1400 years ago, although it seems likely that the Biblical reference is not to this plant.  That Greek word translates more directly as a bulb, and may actually refer to a crocus or a type of tulip.  It is unlikely that the reference could ever be to hibiscus syriacus, but well, whatever.  This is another proof that botanical names still have merit.    A shrub or small tree, it is covered with bloom this time of year, a bright pink beacon at the far side of the yard.  I’m trying to think where I first of heard it – it may have been in Bob Dylan’s “Caribbean Wind”, although it is as likely that I heard it in something by Joan Baez or Leonard Cohen.  It just isn’t something I…

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