Plant name: **Physocarpus opulifolius** — dark-leaved ninebark, likely **‘Diabolo’** but cultivar not fully certain from the photo alone. **Common name:** Purple ninebark / dark-leaved ninebark **Identification confidence:** **High for Physocarpus opulifolius; medium for cultivar ‘Diabolo’.** ## Distinguishing features - Dense, deciduous shrub with **dark burgundy-purple foliage** - Leaves are **lobed and toothed**, rather maple-like - Multi-stemmed woody habit from the base - Often develops **arching stems** and, on older wood, lightly peeling bark - In late spring to early summer it usually carries **small white to pale pink flower clusters**, followed by decorative seed heads The photo shows other plants around it, but the main subject is clearly the dark purple shrub. ## Mature size - **Height:** about **1.5–2.5 metres** - **Spread:** about **1.5–2 metres** - Size depends on cultivar and pruning. ‘Diabolo’ can become quite large if left unpruned. ## Flowering season - Usually **May to July** in UK gardens - Flowers are produced on older/ripened wood, so avoid heavy pruning in early spring if you want flowers that year. ## Soil and light - **Soil:** Most reasonably fertile, well-drained garden soils - Tolerates clay better than many shrubs, provided it is not waterlogged - **Light:** Best foliage colour in **full sun**, but will also grow in **partial shade** - In deeper shade the purple leaf colour may become duller or greener. ## Watering - Water well during the first year after planting - Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant - In dry spells, give a deep soak rather than frequent light watering, especially if growing close to a fence where soil can be dry. ## Feeding - Apply a **general-purpose fertiliser in spring** if growth is weak - Mulch around the base in spring with compost or well-rotted organic matter, keeping mulch away from the stems. ## Pruning care - Best pruned **immediately after flowering**, usually in early to mid-summer - Remove dead, weak or crossing stems - To keep it fresh and well-shaped, take out around **one-third of the oldest stems at the base** every year or two - Avoid regular hedge-style clipping, as it can make the shrub twiggy and congested - If it has become overgrown, it can usually be renovated by cutting older stems hard back in late winter or early spring, but flowering may be reduced that season. ## Note for this plant It looks a little congested and has several pale cut stems, suggesting previous pruning. A gentle thinning after flowering next year would help restore a more natural shape and encourage strong new purple growth.