Physocarpus Diabolo 10L

Description

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’ – purple ninebark

Botanical name: Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’
Common names: Purple ninebark
Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Habit: Upright, arching, bushy
Pot size: 10 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 2–3m tall × 2–3m spread
Foliage: Deep purple-black, lobed leaves; deciduous; peeling bark in winter
Flowers: Clusters of small white flowers, pink-tinged in bud, in early summer, followed by reddish seed clusters (May–June)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Most soils, including damp and heavy ground; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 3–7
Exposure: Sheltered or exposed; very tolerant
Native range: Species native to North America
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Physocarpus ‘Diabolo’ is a striking deciduous shrub with deep purple-black foliage and clusters of white, pink-tinged flowers in early summer. Bold and easy, it makes superb dark contrast in borders and hedging.

GardenAdvice notes

A dramatic and easy-going shrub, purple ninebark is grown above all for its deep purple-black foliage, which makes wonderful dark contrast against silver, gold or green-leaved neighbours all season. In early summer it carries clusters of white, pink-tinged flowers, followed by reddish seed heads, and in winter reveals attractively peeling bark. Tough, hardy and adaptable, it thrives almost anywhere.

Growing & planting

Plant in autumn or spring in most soils in full sun to partial shade — the purple foliage colour is deepest in full sun. It is very tolerant, coping with damp, heavy and poor ground. Give it room to develop its arching shape, or plant closer for hedging. Water well while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Prune after flowering to shape and to keep it vigorous; it can be pruned hard, and cutting back a proportion of the oldest stems to the base each year keeps it fresh and encourages the best-coloured young foliage. It responds well to renovation. Feed and mulch in spring.

Propagation

• Cuttings: Take softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free, tough and healthy, with few pests or diseases. One of the most reliable and adaptable of shrubs.

Uses in the garden

Superb for bold foliage contrast in mixed and shrub borders, as an informal hedge or screen, and in wildlife plantings, where its dark leaves set off brighter flowers and foliage beautifully.

Wildlife value

The early-summer flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, and the seed heads and dense growth offer food and shelter for wildlife.

Toxicity & safety

Purple ninebark is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Diabolo’ is one of the best dark-leaved shrubs you can grow — its purple-black foliage is a superb foil for silver, gold and hot colours all summer. For the deepest colour and the freshest foliage, give it full sun and cut a few of the oldest stems right down to the base each year after flowering; this keeps it young, vigorous and richly coloured rather than tired and twiggy.

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