Physocarpus opulifolius 'Sweet Cherry Tea' (Ninebark) – Compact Dark Leaf Shrub (3L Pot)

Physocarpus 'Sweet Cherry Tea' is a compact ninebark with rich cherry burgundy leaves, small enough at around a metre each way for a small garden or a patio pot.

The dark foliage holds its colour right through the growing season, deepening to cherry red before it drops in autumn. In late spring and early summer, clusters of pink tinted white flowers open along the gently arching stems and draw bees and other insects. Once the leaves have gone, the peeling bark gives the bare plant some winter texture.

It is fully hardy and easy going, growing on most soils including clay, and it wants full sun for the deepest leaf colour. Partial shade is tolerated but the burgundy pales towards green.

Water it through the first summer, mulch in spring, and prune after flowering to keep it neat and bring on fresh coloured growth. Supplied as an established plant in a 3L pot.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Ninebark
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 90cm to 1.2m tall by 90cm to 1.2m wide
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy, gently arching deciduous shrub
• Perfect For: Mixed borders, small gardens, patio containers and specimen planting
• Foliage: Deep cherry burgundy, broadly oval lobed leaves
• Flowering Time: Late spring to early summer, clusters of pink tinted white flowers
• Planting Position: Full sun for the best leaf colour, or partial shade. Fully hardy and fine on clay.
• Soil Type: Moist but well drained soil of most kinds, including clay
• Hardiness: Fully hardy right across Britain
• Maintenance: Low. Prune after flowering for shape and fresh growth.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, summer, autumn and winter
• Type: Hardy deciduous shrub

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