Images Depict Mature Plants
A Summerific® Hardy Hibiscus with Huge Lavender-Pink Blooms
Dinner-Plate Blooms with a Bold Cherry-Red Eye
Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus brings dramatic summer color with huge ruffled lavender-pink flowers and a bold cherry-red eye. Part of the Summerific® series, this hardy perennial hibiscus delivers the tropical look gardeners love while returning from the roots in cold-winter climates.
Each flower can reach dinner-plate size, creating a showy display from midsummer into fall. The soft lavender-pink petals and deep red center give Berry Awesome a rich, high-impact look that stands out in sunny borders, foundation beds, patio gardens, and mixed perennial plantings.
Dark Foliage That Makes the Flowers Pop
Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus is not just about flowers. The deep midnight-green foliage creates a strong backdrop that makes the lavender-pink blooms look even brighter. The dense, shrub-like habit also gives the plant a fuller look than older hardy hibiscus varieties.
This combination of dark foliage and oversized flowers makes Berry Awesome useful as a specimen perennial, a sunny foundation accent, or a focal point in a summer border. It gives homeowners the look of a flowering shrub with the seasonal rhythm of a hardy perennial.
Long Blooming Color from Summer into Fall
Berry Awesome blooms when many spring and early-summer perennials are starting to fade. Its late-season flower power helps keep the garden colorful through the hottest part of the year and into early fall.
The flowers are produced across the plant rather than only at the top, helping create a fuller bloom display. Plant it where the large flowers can be seen and enjoyed up close, such as near patios, walkways, entry beds, or outdoor seating areas.
Pollinator Friendly, Deer Resistant, and Moisture Loving
Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus attracts bees and hummingbirds, adding pollinator value to its bold ornamental display. It is also generally considered deer-resistant, making it a useful choice in sunny landscapes where deer browsing can be a concern.
Like many hardy hibiscus, Berry Awesome appreciates consistent moisture and performs well in average to wet soils. It is a good choice for sunny garden beds, rain garden edges, low spots with good airflow, and moisture-retentive soils where many drought-loving perennials would struggle.
Hardy Hibiscus Care Made Simple
Plant Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus in full sun for the best flowering, strongest habit, and healthiest foliage. It prefers moist, organically rich soil but can adapt to average garden soil as long as it does not dry out for long periods.
This perennial dies back to the ground in winter and is one of the last perennials to emerge in spring, so patience is important. Cut old stems back in spring when new growth begins, water consistently during dry periods, and give the plant room to grow into its full rounded shape.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 4 feet |
| Mature Width: | 4 to 5 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun; tolerates light part sun but blooms best in full sun |
| Soil | Moist, organically rich, average to wet soil; good airflow recommended |
| Water Requirements: | Water regularly after planting; prefers consistent moisture and should not dry out for long periods |
| Bloom Time / Color | Midsummer to early fall; huge ruffled lavender-pink flowers with a cherry-red eye |
| Ornamental Features | 7–8 inch lavender-pink blooms, cherry-red eye, dark foliage, compact rounded habit, late-season color |
| Wildlife Value | Flowers may attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial pollinators |
| Resistance | Generally deer resistant; heat tolerant; tolerant of wet soil; low maintenance with consistent moisture |
| Landscape Uses | Specimen perennial, sunny border, foundation planting, rain garden edge, pollinator garden, patio planting, mixed perennial bed, large container, summer focal point |
How to Care for Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus
aBefore you purchase your Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus, be sure to read the care instructions to keep your plant happy and healthy for years to come!
How should I plant Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus?
Plant Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus in full sun with moist, organically rich soil. Choose a spot with room for the plant to mature into a rounded clump about 3–4 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide. Full sun gives the best flowering and strongest overall performance. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly. Apply mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, keeping mulch several inches away from the stems.
How often should I water Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus after planting?
Water Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus deeply after planting, then keep the soil evenly moist while roots establish. During the first growing season, check the soil often and water when the top few inches begin to dry. Established plants still perform best with consistent moisture, especially during heat and bloom season. Hardy hibiscus can tolerate wet soil, but the plant should not be allowed to dry out for long periods if you want the best flower display.
When should I fertilize Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus?
Fertilize Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus in spring when new growth begins. Use a balanced slow-release perennial fertilizer or topdress with compost to support strong stems, healthy foliage, and heavy flowering. Avoid heavy late-season fertilizing, which can encourage tender growth before winter. Consistent moisture, full sun, and good soil organic matter are just as important as fertilizer for strong blooming.
When and how should I prune Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus?
Prune Berry Awesome Hardy Hibiscus in spring, not fall, if possible. Leave old stems standing through winter to mark the plant’s location, then cut them back once new shoots begin emerging from the base. Hardy hibiscus emerges late in spring, so do not assume the plant is dead if it is slow to wake up. Once new growth appears, cut old stems down near the ground and allow the fresh shoots to develop into the season’s flowering clump.