Photo of Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' foliage by Avant Gardens

Photo by Avant Gardens

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Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo'

Also Known As

  • Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diablo'
  • Diablo® Ninebark
  • Diabolo® Ninebark
  • Purple Leafed Ninebark

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 4'-10'
  • W: 4'-8'

planting zones

  • 2a-9b

More Options

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' plant details

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub with burgundy, chocolate and purple foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: deciduous burgundy, chocolate and purple
Mature size: 4 FT - 8 FT - wide, 4 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: easy-to-grow, mounding

GROWING CONDITIONS for Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo'

USDA Zones: 2a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The handsome dark-purple foliage of this exciting cultivar makes it a brilliant standout for the garden. The dark foliage is the perfect backdrop for the bright clusters of pinkish-white summer flowers, the blooms become attractive, dark-pink fruits in autumn. This 6-8' foot shrub is showy, hardy and so easy-going! The splendid, peeling bark is an added winter bonus! S/M
A handsome garden classic, ours first purchased from the famous Western Hills Nursery in 1979 or so. Upright, arching, deciduous shrub, to 8' or more, with deepest burgundy leaves and adorned with white flowers early to mid spring. If pruned into small tree form, the golden flaky bark is visible and attractive. We copice ours every 2-3 years to maintain density (the shrubs, not us). Easy-going, sun or shade. Summer water where dry. USDA zone 5.
This Physocarpus or purple ninebark is a fast grower with season long appeal. It has deep burgundy leaves, and attractive white button-like blooms in summer. Again this is a quick grower "Diablo" is an easy growing shrub that is very hardy (zone 3-7) and adaptable to a wide range of conditions. It is tolerant of many soils, preferring a well drained site. It will take some shade but will have the best color in full sun. Reaching 5-6' high and 4-5' wide, this will do great in back of the perennial garden or mixed in shrub borders, or even as a foundation plant. The flowers and foliage are great for cutting. Growth Rate fast
Startling and dramatic foliage of deep puple (almost black ) with pink-tinged white flowers in early summer. Combine with plants such as Philadelphus 'Aurea' or Lonicera nitida 'Baggesen's Gold' for folial impact. Prune in the spring to keep manageable.
Gorgeous dark leaves and white flower clusters. Will grow in light shade. All around pretty.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Red-purple leaves, turn reddish in fall. Creamy white flowers summer, can prune to mange size. Zones 3-9.
We've been big promoters of the Golden Ninebark, so we had to try the dark purple version. Leaves are especially dark chocolate-purple when they emerge in the spring, holding this color well when grown in full sun. White flowers. 8-10'.
An elegant deciduous shrub with awesome burgundy foliage! Grows into a 4-6' mound and light pink umbels of flowers in May are very pretty too! Not fussy – sun to light shade – drought tolt. when established – Easy to grow!

Gardening facts about Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' plant

How to Grow Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • burgundy
    • purple
    • chocolate
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
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