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Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus

Hibiscus 'Blackberry Merlot' PP 33,498

Regular price $5420
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Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Flowering, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, and Deer-resistant

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Hibiscus 'Blackberry Merlot' PP 33,498
  • Height
    4-5 ft
  • Width
    3-4 ft
  • Growing Zones
    4-9
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Flower Color
    • Red
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Early Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Late Fall
  • Fragrant
    Yes
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, HI, ID, MT, OR

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Give this plant full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate very light shade, you will sacrifice bloom quantity and color intensity, and the stems may become leggy or flop over without enough light.
  • Soil: This Rose Mallow loves moisture and thrives in rich, consistently damp soil, making it an excellent choice for low spots or rain gardens. If you have sandy soil that drains too quickly, amend it heavily with compost or organic matter to act like a sponge and retain necessary hydration.

Watering Requirements

Consistency is key with Hardy Hibiscus, especially during the first growing season while the root system is expanding. Unlike many other perennials, this plant actually enjoys "wet feet," so do not let the soil dry out completely or you risk dropped flower buds and yellowing leaves. While established plants have some resilience, maintaining consistent moisture ensures the flowers reach their full "dinner plate" size potential.

Pruning Tips

This perennial blooms on new wood, meaning the stems that grow this spring will carry the flowers. Since the plant dies back to the ground naturally in winter, simply cut all old stems down to about 3 to 4 inches above the soil line in early spring. Be patient, as Rose Mallow is one of the last plants to break dormancy, often waiting until the soil is quite warm in late May or June to show green shoots.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a formula designed for flowering plants once you see new growth emerging in the spring. You can apply a water-soluble bloom booster in mid-summer to support the heavy flower production. Avoid feeding after August, as late surges of nitrogen can push soft growth that won't harden off in time for winter, potentially damaging the plant's cold hardiness.

The Proven Winners® Blackberry Merlot Hardy Hibiscus PP#33,498 (Hibiscus 'Blackberry Merlot') is an extraordinary perennial Hibiscus with enormous, velvety, deep wine-purple blooms that bring a touch of tropical drama to sunny gardens. This hardy hibiscus blooms from mid to late summer and often reblooms into early fall for a show that stretches the season. Its bold flowers are not fragrant, but their rich color is unforgettable, set against lush, medium-green, heart-shaped foliage.

Its thick, tuberous roots store energy through winter, allowing a spectacular return each year. Upright, sturdy stems easily support the weight of the plate-sized flowers, which can reach up to 8 inches across, while the dense foliage keeps the plant looking full from base to tip. Growing to about 4-5 feet tall and wide, this Hibiscus has a tidy, rounded shape that works beautifully in smaller gardens or as a summer focal point.

Native to North American wetlands, Hibiscus moscheutos (also known as Rose Mallow) has been cherished for centuries for its showy flowers and adaptability. While Tropical Hibiscus steals the limelight in warm zones, this cold-hardy cousin thrives in USDA zones 4 to 9. It loves warm, sunny conditions and flourishes in the Midwest, South, and coastal states where summers are long and hot!

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

Key Features

  • Proven Winners® selection with massive wine-purple blooms
  • Blooms mid to late summer and often reblooms into fall
  • Upright, compact growth habit, around 4 feet tall and wide
  • Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators
  • Cold-hardy to zone 4 and deer-resistant

Landscaping Uses

Compact yet striking, it is a standout performer in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator havens. With its tropical flair and compact size, Proven Winners® Blackberry Merlot Rose Mallow steals the show in any sunny setting.

Care & Maintenance

An herbaceous perennial that loves sun, fertile soil, and consistent moisture for the best performance. Read more on caring for Hibiscus here.

  • Planting Time: Spring after frost danger has passed
  • Sun Requirements: Full sun for maximum blooms
  • Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained, tolerates clay and moist conditions
  • Moisture Needs: Keep evenly moist; use the Finger Test to check soil moisture
  • Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature
  • Fertilization Needs: Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; add compost in summer for lush blooms
  • Pruning Info: Cut stems back to 4-6 inches after frost kills top growth; blooms on new wood each year
  • Division Info: Divide every 3-4 years in spring if needed
  • Special Perks/Growing Needs:

A Toast to Garden Luxury

The Proven Winners® Blackberry Merlot Rose Mallow delivers rich, wine-colored blooms that command attention. With its lush foliage, oversized flowers, and easy care, it is a perennial worth raising a glass to. Order your Proven Winners® Blackberry Merlot Rose Mallow and enjoy the season’s most luxurious blooms from naturehills.com!

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