Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diablo'

'Ninebark'

Location

The Autumn Border

Description:

An upright thicket-forming deciduous shrub native of North America, (H 3.5m S 2.5m) with deep, dark purple leaves. The 5cm white flowers emerge in May, with a faint pinkish bloom as a fat round 'snowball' made up of tinier blooms lasting well into June. Deep red seeds are produced in autumn, against the purple-black leaves, later fading to mahogany.

Site and Care:

Highly adaptable, drought resistant, once established, but it likes moist well-drained soil best in the sun or half sun, but it will tolerate more shade, alkaline, acid or clay soil. It can be hard pruned, once established, resulting in a bright compact bush. Propagation is by cuttings, seed or detaching underground runners.