Introduction

When it comes to adding texture, color, and interest to your garden, Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a superb choice. This versatile shrub is valued for its attractive bark, varied foliage, and ease of care. Native to North America, Ninebark offers a range of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics that can enhance any garden design. In this article, we’ll explore the top five Ninebark varieties that you should consider for creating a stunning garden landscape.

1. Diablo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diablo’)

Diablo Ninebark is renowned for its dramatic, dark foliage and striking appearance. The leaves are deep burgundy to purple, creating a bold contrast against lighter-colored plants and flowers. This variety typically grows to a height of 6 to 8 feet with a similar spread, making it an excellent choice for creating a focal point or a backdrop in your garden.

Key Features:

  • Foliage: Dark burgundy to purple
  • Growth Habit: Upright, rounded
  • Flowers: Small, white or pink clusters in early summer
  • Bark: Peeling, reddish-brown bark adds visual interest year-round

Diablo Ninebark is particularly suited to gardens where a strong, contrasting color is desired. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a range of soil types, including dry or poorly-drained soils.

2. Summer Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Summer Wine’)

Summer Wine Ninebark is celebrated for its elegant, wine-red foliage that holds its color well throughout the growing season. This variety has a more compact growth habit compared to Diablo Ninebark, reaching about 4 to 5 feet in height and width. Its rich color and compact size make it a great choice for smaller gardens or as a striking border plant.

Key Features:

  • Foliage: Wine-red throughout the season
  • Growth Habit: Compact, rounded
  • Flowers: Soft pink clusters in late spring to early summer
  • Bark: Peeling bark with a reddish-brown hue

Summer Wine Ninebark is ideal for adding color and texture to garden beds or containers. It performs well in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to various soil conditions.

3. Little Devil Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Little Devil’)

As the name suggests, Little Devil Ninebark is a smaller, more compact variety of Ninebark. Growing to about 3 to 4 feet in height and width, it’s perfect for smaller spaces or for use as a low hedge. The foliage is a deep, dark purple, providing a striking contrast against lighter-colored plants.

Key Features:

  • Foliage: Dark purple to burgundy
  • Growth Habit: Compact, dense
  • Flowers: White to pink clusters in early summer
  • Bark: Peeling, reddish-brown bark

Little Devil Ninebark is excellent for adding color to smaller gardens or for use in container plantings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is quite resilient, adapting well to various soil types.

4. Coppertina Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Coppertina’)

Coppertina Ninebark stands out with its distinctive coppery-orange foliage that transforms to a rich burgundy as the season progresses. This variety grows to about 6 to 8 feet in height and width, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. Its vibrant foliage adds a warm, glowing hue to the garden, particularly in the fall.

Key Features:

  • Foliage: Coppery-orange turning to burgundy
  • Growth Habit: Upright, spreading
  • Flowers: Pink to white clusters in summer
  • Bark: Peeling bark with reddish tones

Coppertina Ninebark is a great choice for creating a vibrant focal point or adding seasonal interest to your garden. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to different soil conditions.

5. Luteus Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Luteus’)

Luteus Ninebark is known for its striking golden-yellow foliage, which provides a bright and cheerful contrast to other plants in the garden. This variety grows to about 6 feet in height and width, making it a substantial yet manageable addition to your landscape. Its vibrant color remains bold throughout the growing season.

Key Features:

  • Foliage: Golden-yellow
  • Growth Habit: Upright, rounded
  • Flowers: White clusters in early summer
  • Bark: Peeling bark with reddish-brown tones

Luteus Ninebark is ideal for brightening up shaded or partially shaded areas of the garden. It performs well in various soil conditions and offers a unique color that stands out in any landscape.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Ninebark variety can greatly enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden. Each of these top five varieties—Diablo, Summer Wine, Little Devil, Coppertina, and Luteus—offers unique characteristics that can fit different garden styles and needs. Whether you’re looking for bold color, compact growth, or seasonal interest, Ninebark has something to offer. With their attractive foliage, striking bark, and adaptability, these varieties are sure to make a stunning addition to your garden.