With its upright, arching branches and dark chocolate to purple foliage, Diabolo® ninebark offers a color contrast with silver-leaved plants and makes a fine backdrop hedge. Clusters of button-like, pinkish white flowers appear in summer. Even when they fade to a tawny tone, they stand out nicely against the dark leaves. —Chris McKernan, Regional Picks: Lower Plains, Fine Gardening #120
Noteworthy CharacteristicsDark foliage, interesting bark
CareProvide full sun to partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
PropagationStart new plants from greenwood cuttings in summer, or remove rooted suckers in spring or fall. Alternatively, sow seed in containers outdoors in spring or fall.
ProblemsNothing serious. When grown in partial shade or with excessive heat, the foliage may turn dark green.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Physocarpus
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
- Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Characteristics : Interesting Bark, Showy Foliage
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : White
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.