I didn't think that there was anything that kept Rose of Sharon from growing; which leads me to believe that there is something else going on - no ROS worth its salt would let three-year-old rabbit damage interfere with its plans for world domination. Could you post pictures of the affected plants so we can better see what's going on?

no ROS worth its salt would let three-year-old rabbit damage interfere with its plans for world domination.

==>> thats hilarious ... lol ...

ken

I'll try to post some pics. We've been having a lot of rain this week, but as soon as it is dry I'll snap a couple.

I was looking at the three ROS last night. The two larger ones are doing alright - they look healthy enough. The growth is just really minimal. The smaller one in the front yard is basically a twig. We did have bad drought conditions last year, so that explains some of it.

Is there a specific fertilizer that works well for ROS bushes?

They aren't picky about fertilizer, or much else. Except for sun - they need a good amount of full sun to do more than exist. What kind of sun/shade are yours in?

[ps:thanks, Ken]

I believe they are getting a good amount of sun. They are in a large garden bed. To the left of them is a row of three arborvitae that are about 5 feet tall. To the right is a dogwood bush that is also about 5 feet tall and full. The ROS are about 4 feet away from both, in the middle. It's possible it might get some shade at certain parts of the day from the shadows of those bushes, though usually when I see them they are in sun.

The twig-like ROS in the front yard is out in the open, with shade from the house during the afternoon.

Thanks for your help!