Physocarpus opulifolius 'Center Glow' (Ninebark)

Upright, arching branches and dark chocolate to purple foliage make the Diabolo® ninebark an excellent color contrast when used with silver-leaved plants or planted as a backdrop hedge. The foliage, however, has the tendency to become dark green with excessive heat or when grown in partial shade. In the summer, Diabolo® sports clusters of button-like, pinkish white flowers that fade to tawny pink yet continue to stand out wonderfully against the deep-hued leaves.

These showy shrubs have two distinct phases of garden interest. In winter, they display boldly colorful bark—red, yellow, or orange—on twiggy stems to make a striking scene. In spring, the stems lose their vivid color and produce bright green, gold, or variegated foliage that accents the garden through the fall. Twig and leaf color vary acording to the cultivar.

This vigorous deciduous shrub provides a long season of interest in the garden with its variegated leaves, attractive berries, pretty fall color, and red winter stems.

(1 user review)

This choice specimen has a graceful habit with finely divided golden foliage that emerges as bronze. It is less susceptible to sun scorch than the other gold varieties. It bears creamy white flowers that mature into red fruits.