Collie Mullins Rose Of Sharon
Best low-maintenance flowering shrub for deer-prone urban gardens.
The Collie Mullins Rose Of Sharon is a striking, long-blooming deciduous shrub, celebrated for its stiffly upright growth habit. From mid-summer into early fall, it showcases a profusion of double purple-red, crepe-like flowers along its branches, adding vibrant color to the landscape. While its green foliage is attractive, it doesn't develop significant fall color. This shrub is an excellent choice for attracting butterflies and birds, and it's notably deer-resistant. It tolerates urban pollution well and is versatile for accent planting, mass planting, hedges, or containers, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
$49.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2598
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+27%
Above average
Mature Height
10
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant color long after summer peaks
- Busy homeowners needing resilient, low-effort landscape plants
- Eco-conscious gardeners wanting to support local pollinators
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners who dislike frequent weeding
- Hands-off gardeners preferring plants that keep their shape
- Impatient gardeners who worry about slow spring growth
Performance breakdown
Bloom Impact
Double purple-red flowers provide a high-contrast, vibrant seasonal display.
Wildlife Attraction
Reliably draws butterflies and birds to the garden throughout summer.
Deer Resistance
A dependable choice for landscapes prone to frequent deer browsing.
Urban Adaptability
Thrives in city environments despite common pollution and stressors.
Versatility
Easily transitions from container centerpiece to structural garden hedge.
Maintenance Ease
Moderate growth rate requires minimal intervention for a tidy appearance.
Key Specs
Mature Height
10 feet
Mature Width
8 feet
Hardiness Zone
5b
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Mid Summer to Early Fall
Light Needs
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs
Average to Moist
Growth Rate
Moderate
Features
- Features double purple-red, crepe-like flowers.
- Attracts butterflies and birds.
- Deer tend to avoid this shrub.
- Highly tolerant of urban pollution.
- Suitable for accent, screen, or containers.
- Long blooming period from mid-summer to early fall.
- Stiffly upright habit of growth.
- Deciduous shrub with green foliage.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Collie Mullins Rose of Sharon, noting that specimens arrive healthy and robust from Armstrong Garden Centers. The primary theme is reliability; gardeners find this variety remarkably easy to establish and maintain, thriving even in less than ideal conditions. Its vigorous growth and stunning, long lasting purple blooms deliver significant aesthetic value, making it a highly recommended addition for reliable summer color.
Know before you buy
This shrub typically reaches a mature height of 10 feet and a width of 8 feet. Its stiff, upright growth habit makes it a great choice for vertical interest in the landscape.
While it performs best in full sun, it is versatile enough to thrive in partial shade as well. You can expect the best flower production when it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Yes, this variety is considered deer-resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, deer typically avoid this shrub, making it a reliable option for gardens prone to wildlife browsing.
Absolutely. Because of its upright growth habit, it works well in large containers for patios or entryways. Just ensure the container has proper drainage and that you keep up with regular watering.
As a deciduous shrub, the Collie Mullins will lose its green foliage once temperatures drop, leaving bare branches through the winter. It does not produce notable fall color, so it is best to prune it in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape before new growth begins.
Yes, the vibrant, crepe-like flowers are excellent for attracting butterflies and birds to your landscape. Its long blooming period from mid-summer to early fall provides a consistent food source for local wildlife.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$50