Rose of Sharon Seedlings

I received 6 Rose of Sharon seedlings from Ebay this Spring. They were each one straight stick about 30-36" tall. I planted them right away and they are growing well and have leafed out nicely. My problem is that they have formed no branches although they have gained a lot of height. They look rather silly with all these leaves attached to a tall, slender whiplike stick. They are quickly outdistancing the bamboo stakes. Do you think I should prune off the tops to try to force some branches to grow below or is this typical for the young plants and I just need to be patient (not my forte) for a little longer? I would be so grateful for some advice from you experienced gardeners.

I have never pruned mine, but they do look silly for a little while, mine also bloom within 2nd growing season, also, mine seem to branch out much sooner than 30-36 inches, perhaps they kept them pruned off (side branches), can you tell? mine usually branch out before they even hit 2 feet. but these can be pruned and shaped anywhich way you prefer them, some of mine I prune back and keep shaped, where others I let do what they want to - you would be find chopping the top out if you feel like it and it won't harm your plant.

Thanks, Ohio. I think I will try "topping" the tallest one only and see what happens. Gee, it would be wonderful if I have some blossoms next year! Thanks so much for your help.

You are welcome, if you find you want more little seedlings to grow, let me know, I have lots popping up, they are just first leaves now, only about a couple inches tall, but happy to share for postage if you want them, they are white with red eye.
Laurrie

hey Ohio!
How have you been? Thank you again for the ROS you sent me earlier in the year. They are doing nicely. Only some of the smallest didnt make it- could have been the gardener...LOL.

Oh, but i do have a mystery tree from you as well...LOL
That thing really bolted up. I should post a picture and get it identified. It looked like the rest for awhile, then it got much bigger leaves. The way its growing its probably something very common, but i dont have the heart to kill it so i may just move it to the woods. Besides i need to find out what it is first!

Anyway, have a great day, and thanks again!
Ness;-)

Laurrie, thanks so much for your generous offer of little seedlings! I have 6 of them and really don't think I need any more although I will keep it in mind if we lose any over the winter. It doesn't get real cold, but we do get some serious wind here at the coast and these little guys are pretty exposed. Should I prune them back in the fall? It has been raining here for a couple of days, and when I went out this morning to feed the fish, I checked the plants and the one I pruned has growth at the junction of each leaf! Thank you again for your *VERY* able & helpful assistance.
Peggy

Peggy, ok you are welcome, but if you change your mind I usually have tons poppin up here LOL yes you can shape trim them in fall after they are done flowering, that is when I do it. Glad I could help a little :)

Ness :) - glad to know they are surviving, same as for Peggy, need more let me know, and as for the unknown sprout, if you can send me a photo, I might be able to tell you what it is, so much sprouting out there it could be most anything, just glad most are living for you :)