Merlot bears deep, clear merlot-red foliage borne on deep purple upright stems. This is an eye-catching plant that is uniquely colorful. Like the others in this collection, Merlot subs for Spirea or Weigela, and blooms with yellow trumpets during early to mid-summer and works nicely as a hedge, specimen, soil stabilizer, or bank cover. Merlot grows well in any well drained soil and pairs nicely with numerous companions.