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    • Photo of Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' foliage by Avant Gardens

    Photo by Avant Gardens

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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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

    By: Forestfarm

    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.

    By: Cistus Nursery

    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

    By: Garden World

    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.

    By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

    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.

    By: Lael's Moon Garden

    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'.

    By: Avant Gardens

    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!

    By: Secret Garden Growers

    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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