Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus

Hibiscus ‘Blackberry Merlot’, commonly known as Rose Mallow, has spectacular, velvety-red, tropical-looking, 8” flowers on a backdrop of contrasting, glossy green foliage loaded on this upright perennial from summer through early fall for a long season of continual bloom.

This sun-loving, deer-resistant perennial is grown in Hardiness Zones 4-9 and reaches heights and widths of 4-5 ft. Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus has pollinator-attracting showy flowers that are standouts in many garden styles; use this shrub as a single specimen or plant it in groups for a magnificent display.  

Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus

Plant Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus where it will receive 6 hours or more of direct sun–the more sun the better. They thrive in slightly acidic soil, with consistent watering, which will result in larger flowers and healthy foliage. Check soil moisture levels often during the hottest days of summer. The soil should be well draining and not compacted. Perennial Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus has a vigorous growth rate when planted in preferred conditions. Plant the crown just above the soil level, and it's best to plant in early spring while the temperatures are still cool, well before the heat of summer. 

Keep Blackberry Hibiscus well watered and well fed to accommodate its vigorous growth and hearty appetite. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring, after the first round of blooming, and again in mid-summer. You can also use a diluted liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for hibiscus, which contains higher nitrogen (N), and is lower in phosphorus (P) such as a 10-4-8 formula, a couple of times each month from late spring to fall. 

Pinch the shoots early in the season when they are 6-8 inches long to encourage branching. The branches of established Hibiscus can become thick, so you will need a pair of sharp garden loppers to cut the branches back in early winter. Afterward, apply a few inches of organic mulch such as shredded leaves to protect the root system during the coldest winter months.

Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus

Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus requires plenty of sun, moisture, and space in the garden to reach its mature width of 4-5 ft. Whether you are planting it as a single specimen or in groups, space each plant 4 feet apart on center. They are lovely used as a garden centerpiece with lower growing annuals and perennials surrounding this tropical-looking beauty. 

Blackberry Merlot Hibiscus Information