Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome'

Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome': Dinnerplate Blooms with Late-Summer Drama

Bold, lush, and unforgettable, Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome' lives up to its name with massive lavender-pink blooms brushed in red at the centre—each flower stretching up to 20 cm across. Held above deep green foliage with a faint bronze cast, the blooms appear in late summer and continue into early fall, drawing in pollinators and turning garden beds into a tropical display. As part of the Summerific® series, this hardy perennial combines show-stopping size with a refined, bushy habit perfect for borders or feature plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–150 cm
• Spread: 120–150 cm, with a rounded, shrubby form
• Flower Colour: Lavender-pink with a red eye
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer into early fall
• Foliage: Medium green with bronze undertones; heart-shaped and deeply veined
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; thrives with consistent watering

Uses and Benefits: Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome' makes a grand statement in perennial borders, foundation plantings, and pollinator gardens. Its sheer size and floral abundance offer a strong vertical and textural presence late in the season, when many other perennials begin to fade. This cultivar is highly attractive to bees and hummingbirds and adds lush, tropical appeal to both formal beds and naturalistic plantings. Despite its exotic look, it is cold hardy and low maintenance when given sun and moisture.

Companion Plants: Anchor Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome' with the arching blades of Panicum 'Shenandoah', whose reddish fall tones complement the hibiscus blooms. Add the silvery foliage of Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace' for contrast and drought tolerance. Round out the planting with Echinacea 'Ruby Star', whose long-blooming magenta-pink cones echo the hibiscus colour while extending the pollinator appeal through the season.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with consistently moist, rich soil. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Cut back stems to the ground in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges. Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture and insulate the crown in colder zones. This plant emerges late in spring—be patient and give it time to return.

History: Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome' was introduced by Walters Gardens as part of the Summerific® series for Proven Winners®. Bred for its compact habit, improved branching, and exceptional flower size, it is the result of complex hybridization among North American native Hibiscus species, offering tropical impact with hardy reliability.

Final Thoughts: Lavish and long-blooming, Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome' brings theatrical colour and form to the late-season garden. Its bold flowers, lush habit, and pollinator appeal make it a summer star that finishes the season with flair.