Ninebark Diabolo

A fabulous plant for the mixed border, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' is an award-winning, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that brings deep moody tones and seasonal contrasts to the garden layout. This plant stands out immediately due to its intensely dark, maple-like foliage, displaying deeply lobed leaves of a rich purple-black hue. This velvety canopy is carried on gracefully arching stems, creating a boldness that makes nearby green-foliaged plants instantly pop. In early Summer, the dark branches of Physocarpus 'Diabolo' become heavily laden with tight, dome-shaped clusters of creamy-pink, button-like flowers. This striking juxtaposition of pale, nectar-rich blossoms against near-black foliage is highly decorative and draws local bees in droves, with the flowers later maturing into attractive red seed capsules by Autumn. As the leaves drop ahead of Winter, the shrub reveals yet another feature: its mature, woody stems display a peeling papery bark that adds wonderful textural interest to the garden. This resilient shrub proves exceptionally reliable across Irish gardens, tolerating cold inland frosts and damp, clay-heavy soils with ease. It requires very little fussing over to maintain its vigor, though cutting back a few of the oldest stems right down to the ground each year after flowering will consistently encourage a fresh flush of intense, vividly colored new growth.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well drained acid to neutral soil, but will tolerate damp.
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: : Dark purple foliage from Spring through Autumn; charming blush-white flower clusters in June.
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 8-10’ (2.5-3m) Spread: 8-10' (2.5-3m)

Image 1 by F. D. Richards cropped, and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Image 2 by Jan Helebrant 
Image 3 by Aaron Volkening cropped, and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0