Rose of Sharon price ranges from about $15 for a small nursery plant to $220 or more for a large specimen; professionally planting one typically brings the total to $75-$350. Container size, cultivar, local labor, delivery distance, and site preparation drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-gallon plant | $15 | $25 | $35 | Young shrub, usually 1-2 feet tall |
| 2-3-gallon plant | $30 | $50 | $70 | Common retail size, often 2-4 feet |
| 5-gallon plant | $60 | $95 | $130 | Larger shrub for quicker visual impact |
| Installed shrub | $75 | $175 | $350 | Plant, basic labor, and ordinary site access |
What Rose of Sharon Plants Cost by Container Size
Most homeowners pay $30-$70 for a 2-3-gallon Rose of Sharon at a garden center or nursery. Smaller 1-gallon plants generally cost $15-$35, while 5-gallon specimens run $60-$130. Large, mature shrubs in 7-gallon or larger containers can reach $100-$220 or more, especially when sold as named cultivars.
Prices assume a healthy, container-grown shrub in a commonly stocked variety. Online and specialty nurseries may charge more for unusual flower colors, sterile cultivars, or larger plants, and shipping can add $15-$60 per order. Assumptions: standard nursery stock, typical U.S. retail pricing, and no installation.
A 2-3-gallon plant is the typical balance between purchase price and immediate size. Local sales, plant quality, and seasonal availability can shift the amount.
How Nursery Stock, Delivery, and Planting Shape the Quote
A planted-price estimate includes more than the shrub. A contractor may charge a per-plant rate or set a minimum for a small job. The table shows common line items for one 2-3-gallon shrub; bundled quotes may combine labor, soil, and delivery.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | Price basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery plant | $30-$70 | 2-3-gallon shrub | Per plant |
| Planting labor | $35-$100 | Digging, setting, backfill, watering | Per shrub |
| Soil and mulch | $10-$35 | Compost or planting mix and mulch | Per shrub |
| Delivery or job minimum | $25-$100 | Travel, plant transport, small-job charge | Per visit |
| Removal and disposal | $25-$100 | Taking out an old shrub and hauling debris | Per shrub |
When labor is billed hourly, a simple installation may take 30-60 minutes per shrub, but travel and setup can create a minimum charge. Ask whether delivery, soil amendments, cleanup, and removal are included before comparing quotes.
How Mature Height and Cultivar Change the Price
Standard Rose of Sharon varieties commonly mature around 8-12 feet tall, while compact cultivars may stay closer to 3-5 feet. Compact or unusual selections can cost $10-$40 more than a basic variety in the same pot size because of propagation, demand, or limited local stock. Double-flowered or distinctive-color cultivars may also carry a premium.
Plant size affects the quote beyond the nursery tag. A shrub taller than 4-5 feet can be heavier and harder to handle, potentially adding $25-$75 in planting labor. For a hedge, spacing plants 4-6 feet apart means roughly two to three shrubs per 10 linear feet; at $30-$70 each, plant purchases alone may total $60-$210 per 10 feet.
Choose the mature dimensions first, then compare the price of cultivars that fit the available space. Paying extra for a large plant does not remove the need to allow room for its eventual spread.
Can You Spend Less by Planting Smaller Shrubs?
Buying 1-gallon plants instead of 5-gallon stock can save roughly $45-$95 per shrub. The trade-off is a smaller starting plant that needs time to fill its space. A 1-gallon shrub can be a practical choice for a long hedge or a budget-conscious planting when the site can accommodate gradual growth.
Homeowners can also reduce labor charges by planting several shrubs in one visit, clearing the site before the crew arrives, and purchasing mulch locally. Avoid ordering a larger size solely for a faster screen unless its added price and handling are worthwhile. Keeping plant size and installation scope consistent is the clearest way to control the total.
How Rose of Sharon Prices Shift Across U.S. Regions
Plant prices and installation quotes vary with nursery supply, wages, and travel. In areas with abundant local nursery stock, common cultivars may cost 5%-15% less than typical national retail pricing. High-cost metro markets can run 10%-25% higher for planting labor and delivery, while rural locations may see extra travel charges of $25-$100.
Climate and availability also matter. In regions where Rose of Sharon is widely grown, local stock can be easier to source during spring and early fall. In colder areas or locations with fewer garden centers, specialty ordering and shipping may add $15-$60. Compare local quotes using the same pot size and cultivar, not just the advertised plant price.
What a Landscaper Charges for Planting One or Several Shrubs
Landscapers commonly price simple planting at $35-$100 per shrub for labor, with higher rates when digging is difficult or the job is small. For a three-shrub installation, labor may total $105-$300, before plants and materials. A crew may complete straightforward planting in 1-3 hours, depending on access and whether the area needs clearing.
Rocky soil, dense roots, slopes, or planting near utilities can extend the work. If the quote includes excavation, soil replacement, or a new bed, the labor charge may be substantially higher than for planting into prepared garden soil. Request an itemized quote that states the number and size of shrubs, labor, materials, and any minimum fee.
When Delivery, Old Shrub Removal, or Soil Work Adds Expense
Delivery is often inexpensive or waived when a nursery order meets its minimum, but a small order may incur a $25-$100 charge. Removing an established shrub can add $25-$100 per plant for cutting, root removal, and disposal. Stump or extensive root extraction may cost more, particularly where machinery cannot reach the planting area.
Replacing poor soil with compost or planting mix may add $10-$35 per shrub for basic amendments. Large-scale grading, drainage work, or hauling away substantial soil is usually quoted separately. Ask the contractor to distinguish necessary site work from optional bed improvements.
Is DIY Planting Cheaper Than Hiring a Landscaper?
DIY planting typically costs $15-$220 for the shrub, plus about $10-$35 for soil and mulch. A shovel, gloves, and watering equipment may already be available; buying basic tools can add $25-$100. Hiring a landscaper can make sense when several plants need handling, access is difficult, or the old shrub must be removed.
For a simple planting in workable soil, the main savings come from avoiding labor and a visit minimum. Set the root ball at the proper depth, water thoroughly, and maintain even moisture while it establishes. Compare the DIY material total with the full installed quote, including delivery and cleanup.