{"product_id":"hibiscus-blackberry-merlot","title":"Hibiscus 'Blackberry Merlot'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eHibiscus 'Blackberry Merlot'\u003c\/em\u003e: Velvet Wine-Red Blooms for Damp Spots\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVelvety red flowers the size of dinner plates, poured like a heavy glass of merlot at the end of a long week. 'Blackberry Merlot' doesn't do sips. IT DOES THE WHOLE BOTTLE.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHibiscus\u003c\/em\u003e hybrid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rose Mallow, Hardy Hibiscus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120–135 cm (4–4.5 ft)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 105–120 cm (3.5–4 ft)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep, velvety red, about 20 cm (8 in) across\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midsummer to early fall (July to September)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep green leaves on an upright, tight habit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heat tolerant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Patent:\u003c\/strong\u003e USPP 33,498\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its upright shape fits the back of a border, along a fence, or as a summer focal point. It also handles damp, sunny spots where many perennials sulk, including rain gardens and heavy clay that holds moisture. Give it full sun for the most flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eSymphyotrichum shortii\u003c\/em\u003e carries blue flowers from August into mid-fall at 60 to 90 cm, a cool contrast to the red blooms. Edge the bed with \u003cem\u003eAlchemilla mollis\u003c\/em\u003e, whose yellow flowers soften the front from June through August. \u003cem\u003eBaptisia Decadence® 'Blueberry Sundae'\u003c\/em\u003e reaches 90 cm and flowers blue in June and July, giving the bed colour before the hibiscus opens. Everything here grows in sun to partial sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun gives the best bloom and the darkest leaves. Part sun is fine but means fewer flowers. Plant in rich, moisture-holding soil and water deeply whenever summer turns dry. Drooping leaves or dropped buds are its way of asking for a drink. Be patient in spring. Hardy hibiscus emerge late, often after everything else is up, then make up for lost time with very fast growth. Mark where it is. Cut the old woody stems down to roughly 15 cm (6 in) in spring before new shoots appear. Add a thick mulch for the first winter. Don't trim it in summer, because that removes flower buds. Division is rarely needed. Japanese beetles like it, so check the leaves in midsummer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Blackberry Merlot' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2016 cross. It came from a self-pollinated seedling of an unreleased hybrid of \u003cem\u003eHibiscus moscheutos\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHibiscus coccineus\u003c\/em\u003e, the scarlet rose mallow of southeastern U.S. swamps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, a spot by the patio and somebody to impress. Deer pass, while bees and butterflies RSVP YES. CORK OPTIONAL.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Perennials","offers":[{"title":"2 Gallon Pot \/ Red \/ 4","offer_id":67822596653334,"sku":"HIBIBLM02","price":51.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/5366\/4534\/files\/Hibiscus_BlackberryMerlot.png?v=1793708546","url":"https:\/\/blacksheepperennials.com\/products\/hibiscus-blackberry-merlot","provider":"Black Sheep Perennials","version":"1.0","type":"link"}