University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension - Selecting Shrubs for Your Home
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/shrubselector
Common Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius
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Common Ninebark, flowers of the cultivar ‘Diablo’
Size:
Size: small
Small
Size: medium
Medium

Large
Exposure/ Light Requirements:
Full Shade not required.
Full Shade
Full Sun required.
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade required.
Partial Sun/Shade
Pests and Problems:

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


Hardiness Zone: 2 - 6 
Mature Height: 5-10 Feet
Mature Width: 5-10 Feet
Features: Clusters of white to off-white flowers in early summer; clusters of fruit taking on a pinkish to flesh color in mid-late summer; autumn color is a poor yellow.
Culture: Full sun to partial shade; tolerates both wet and dry sites; tolerates alkaline soil.
Cultivars:
  • 'Dart's Gold' - Compact (4-5 feet tall), foliage yellow changing to yellow green.
  • 'Luteus' - Foliage yellow turning to yellow green.
  • 'Monlo' (Diablo®)- Reddish purple foliage, fruit turn reddish but still show up well against the foliage.
  • 'Nanus' - 2-6 feet tall, red fruits.
  • 'Nugget' - 6 feet tall, leaves yellow in spring, lime green in summer, yellow in autumn.
  • 'Seward' ('Summer Wine'™)- Reddish purple foliage and a more compact plant (5 feet), pinkish white flowers.
Mature Form: Rounded with arching branches
Native To: United States (and Illinois)
Soil Conditions:
Soil condition: DryDry
Soil condition: Moist, Well-DrainedMoist, Well-Drained
Soil condition: WetWet
Tolerance:
Tolerance: Alkaline SoilAlkaline Soil
Tolerance: Dry SitesDry Sites
Salt
Tolerance: Soil CompactionSoil Compaction
Tolerance: Wet SitesWet Sites
Tolerance: WindWind
Uses:
Barrier
Use for: Border.Border
Foundation
Use for: Hedge.Hedge
Use for: Massing.Massing
Naturalizing
Screen
Use for: Specimen.Specimen
Foliage Color: Green
Purple
Yellow
 
Fall Foliage Color: Purple
Yellow
 
Additional Notes: Annual pruning is needed to keep the plant in good shape.