Photo Courtesy of Walter's Garden
Hibiscus ‘Blackberry Merlot’: Deep and sophisticated flowers
The Hibiscus syriacus ‘Blackberry Merlot’ is a spectacular ornamental shrub, prized for its large flowers of a very dark purple, almost black with shades of crimson, evoking the deep color of a glass of merlot. Very floriferous and hardy, it immediately catches the eye and creates an elegant focal point in the garden.
Easy to grow and vigorous, it combines beauty, robustness, and a long flowering period.
Large, intense flowers all summer long
‘Blackberry Merlot’ produces generous flowers 8 to 12 cm in diameter, with intense and deep purple tones, often accented by an even darker heart. Its flowering renews from July to September, ensuring a continuous and striking spectacle throughout the summer.
Its dark green, dense, and glossy foliage beautifully highlights the flowers and remains decorative even when not in bloom.
Cultivation and care
This hibiscus prefers full sun to partial shade and rich, fresh, and well-drained soil.
Water regularly, especially in hot weather, and maintain mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots. Pruning is done in early spring, removing dead or damaged wood and lightly shortening branches to stimulate flowering.
Very hardy (down to –20 °C), ‘Blackberry Merlot’ is resistant to common diseases and adapts to most gardens.
Main characteristics
Flower color: Very dark purple / deep crimson
Type: Summer-flowering shrub
Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Rich, fresh, well-drained
Watering: Regular, especially in summer
Flowering: July to September
Height: 1.5 to 2.5 m
Width: 1 to 1.5 m
Use: Borders, flowering hedges, as a specimen, decorative gardens
Hardiness: Hardy (approx. –20 °C)
Attractiveness: Deep, intense flowers, dense foliage
The benefits of Hibiscus ‘Blackberry Merlot’
With its dark and sophisticated flowers, ‘Blackberry Merlot’ brings elegance, depth, and visual impact to the garden. An ideal variety for creating dramatic and refined borders.
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