mugunghwa

Mugunghwa, scientifically Hibiscus syriacus, is commonly known in English as the Rose of Sharon and is the national flower of South Korea. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae, and is native to Korea with naturalized populations in parts of China and Japan. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.

The plant features three- to five-lobed leaves with serrated edges and large flowers that appear from late summer into autumn. Flowers are typically white, pink, purple, or red, often with a darker central throat. Mugunghwa is valued for its relatively long blooming period and its tolerance of a range of soils and climates, making it a popular garden plant in temperate regions.

The Korean name mugunghwa means endless or inexhaustible flower, reflecting traditional associations with longevity, resilience, and renewal. As South Korea’s national flower, Mugunghwa carries strong symbolic ties to perseverance and enduring beauty, themes frequently invoked in Korean art, literature, and public life.

In horticulture and cultural use, Mugunghwa is widely cultivated across East Asia and beyond. It appears in parks, street plantings, and ceremonial contexts, where it serves as a national emblem and a familiar symbol of cultural heritage alongside its ornamental value.