Best ninebark cultivars

*Physocarpus opulifolius* -- ninebark -- is a native North American shrub in the rose family that has become one of the most intensively bred ornamental shrubs of the past two decades. Per Missouri Botanical Garden, the straight species is native from Quebec to Tennessee and west to Colorado,.

Physocarpus opulifolius — ninebark — is a native North American shrub in the rose family that has become one of the most intensively bred ornamental shrubs of the past two decades. Per Missouri Botanical Garden, the straight species is native from Quebec to Tennessee and west to Colorado, growing 5—10 feet tall with arching stems, papery exfoliating bark, white flower clusters in May—June, and red-bronze fruit clusters in fall. Hardy in zones 2—7 (some sources say to zone 8).

The ornamental value of the straight species is moderate. The cultivars are far more interesting, with dark burgundy, near-black, and chartreuse-gold foliage selections that extend visual interest well beyond the 3-week bloom window.

Large cultivars (6—10 ft)

'Diablo' (P. opulifolius)

The cultivar that launched ninebark's popularity. Per NC State Extension, 'Diablo' grows 6—9 ft tall by 6—8 ft wide with deep burgundy-purple foliage that holds color from spring through fall better than most dark-foliaged shrubs. White to light pink flower clusters in June are visible against the dark foliage. Hardy zones 2—7.

The exfoliating bark adds winter interest after leaf drop.

'Monlo' (Diabolo)

European-selected version of the dark-purple ninebark; per Missouri Botanical Garden, similar to 'Diablo' but with slightly darker foliage; 6—8 ft; zones 3—7.

'Center Glow'

Per Missouri Botanical Garden, 'Center Glow' produces new growth that emerges orange-gold, matures to a yellow-green center with burgundy outer leaves, and the center remains lighter than the edge through the season. 5—8 ft; zones 3—7. The multicolor effect is particularly pronounced in spring.