Ninebark Magic Ball

An absolute colour chameleon for the contemporary garden, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Magic Ball' is an outstanding, compact deciduous shrub renowned for its multi-toned, shifting foliage display. This innovative variety reinvents the classic Ninebark by packing a kaleidoscope of warm tones into a perfectly round, bushy form. In Spring, the emerging leaves unfurl in a luminous explosion of bright amber, yellow, and copper-orange, creating a radiant focal point that injects instant sunshine into garden beds. As the seasons progress, the foliage undergoes a spectacular transformation, maturing into deep, rich shades of reddish-purple before settling into a fiery, glowing orange-red by Autumn. During early Summer, this ever-changing canopy becomes the perfect backdrop for dense, rounded clusters of small pinkish-white flowers that emerge from rosy buds. These nectar-rich blooms are highly attractive to bees and beneficial pollinators, eventually turning into small decorative seed heads. Bred specifically for its neat, naturally spherical habit, Physocarpus 'Magic Ball' requires virtually no shaping or intense maintenance to stay looking its best, making it an excellent choice for modern low-fuss gardening. It is exceptionally well-suited to the Irish climate, showing robust winter hardiness and an ability to thrive in heavy, damp soils where other shrubs might struggle.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well drained acid to neutral soil, but will tolerate damp.
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: : Shifting amber, orange, and purple foliage from Spring to Autumn; clusters of pale pink-white flowers in June.
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 3-5’ (1m-1.5m) Spread: 3-5' (1m-1.5m)