Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' (Ninebark) – Purple Leaf Shrub (3L Pot)

Physocarpus 'Diabolo' is the dark purple ninebark, a hardy shrub whose deep burgundy leaves hold their colour from spring until they fall.

In early to midsummer, clusters of small pink white flowers open against the dark foliage, and the contrast is what makes the plant. Small red seed heads follow and carry the interest into autumn. On older stems the bark peels away in papery strips, so there is something to look at in winter once the leaves have gone.

It is a substantial shrub at two to three metres each way, useful as a dark full stop in a border, as an informal hedge or as a single specimen in a big container. It is hardy anywhere in Britain and tolerant of most soils, clay included, though it prefers neutral to acid ground and can go yellow on shallow chalk.

Plant it in full sun. In shade the leaves drift towards a muddy green and you lose the whole point of the plant. Prune after flowering if it needs shaping; it takes hard pruning well and comes back strongly. It holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit. Supplied as an established plant in a 3L pot.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Ninebark
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 2 to 3m tall by 2 to 3m wide
• Growth Habit: Bushy, upright to arching deciduous shrub
• Perfect For: Borders, specimen planting, informal hedging and large containers
• Foliage: Deep purple to dark burgundy lobed leaves
• Flowering Time: Early to midsummer, clusters of pink white flowers, followed by red seed heads
• Planting Position: Full sun for the darkest leaf colour, or partial shade. Fully hardy and fine on clay.
• Soil Type: Moist but well drained soil of most kinds, including clay. Prefers neutral to acid ground.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy right across Britain
• Maintenance: Low. Prune after flowering if needed. It takes hard renovation pruning well.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, summer, autumn and winter
• Type: Hardy deciduous shrub