Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus

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!

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.

• Specimen plant in mixed perennial border
• Cottage gardens centerpiece
• Poolside or patio focal point
• Paired with ornamental grasses for contrast
• Stunning in wildlife or pollinator gardens
• Works in mixed shrub plantings
• Great for Rain Gardens

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:
• Deer-resistant
• Cold-hardy and heat-tolerant
• Great for wet soil

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 !