Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo'
treeDiabolo is the dark-leaved ninebark that made this tough native shrub a designer favorite. It is a vigorous, upright deciduous shrub eight to ten feet tall, clothed in deeply colored burgundy-purple, maple-like leaves, and in late spring it adds flat, rounded, spirea-like clusters of white-to-pink flowers that contrast dramatically with the dark foliage; red seed capsules follow. As the stems age they peel into papery layers of brown and tan bark - the trait that gives ninebark its name - for genuine winter interest. Native to eastern North America, it is exceptionally tough, taking clay, drought, cold, and poor sites in stride, and its bold dark color is a striking foil for golden or chartreuse plants in the border.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 7 days
Harvest
~50 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
Spacing
5-6 ft apart
Planting Depth
Set the root ball level with the soil surface
Soil pH
5.5-7.0
Soil Type
Adaptable, well-drained (clay-tolerant)
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 7
When to Fertilize
Once in early spring if growth is weak; usually not needed
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer or compost
Grow ninebark in full sun for the deepest foliage color - it tolerates part shade but the dark color fades and it grows looser - in just about any well-drained soil, since it is famously adaptable to clay, rocky ground, drought, and poor fertility. It is hardy in zones 3 to 7 and, being a northern native, struggles in the heat and humidity of the deep south, where powdery mildew can be a problem. It flowers on old wood, so prune right after bloom; many gardeners cut it back hard then to control its large size and to refresh the colorful foliage, which it tolerates well (a hard renewal cut to the base every few years keeps an overgrown plant in bounds). It needs little water once established.
Direct sow
Apr 15
Projected first harvest
Jun 4
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
The main ninebark problem, worst in heat, humidity, and shade - site it in full sun with good airflow, choose mildew-resistant types where possible, and avoid wetting the foliage
Cluster on tender new growth - rinse off with water and encourage ladybugs
Chew the foliage in summer - hand-pick into soapy water in the cool morning and skip lure traps that draw in more
Minor fungal spotting in wet weather - give airflow, water at the base, and clear fallen leaves
Ninebark stems are excellent in arrangements - the dark foliage, the spirea-like flower clusters, and later the red seed heads all make striking cut material; cut in the cool morning. In the garden the main task is pruning right after the late-spring bloom: cut it back to control its vigorous size and to renew the brightly colored new foliage, which is more intense on fresh growth. An overgrown plant can be cut hard to the base after flowering and will rebound, since it is forgiving of heavy pruning.
A native ornamental shrub grown for its bold dark foliage, peeling bark, and late-spring flowers. The flower clusters feed bees and other pollinators, and the seeds and dense form support birds. Grown for ornament; non-toxic and safe around pets and children.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.