Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot
Hibiscus syriacus 'Blackberry Merlot'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Hibiscus syriacus 'Blackberry Merlot' is a deciduous shrub known for its striking deep purple flowers and upright growth habit. This cultivar stands out with its unique dark purple blooms with a slightly ruffled texture, providing a bold addition to gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-draining soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Prune in late winter to shape and remove dead or crossing branches.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use organic compost to enrich soil and promote vibrant blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Prune annually to maintain shape
- Fertilize during active growth periods
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soils
- Don’t forget to remove dead or diseased branches
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot questions
What zones can Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot grow in?
Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot bloom?
Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot need full sun?
Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Hibiscus to compare
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Hibiscus moscheutos 'Midnight Marvel'
Rose of Sharon Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus 'Azurri Blue Satin'
Pink Chiffon Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus 'Pink Chiffon'
Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Chiffon'
Confederate Rose
Hibiscus paramutabilis
White Chiffon Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus 'White Chiffon'
Keep exploring
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Grow Rose of Sharon Blackberry Merlot with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
