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SUMMER WINE®

Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

'Seward'

PP#14,821; CBR#2641

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Summer Wine Physocarpus blooming heavily in the landscape Close up of dark Summer Wine Physocarpus foliage Close up of white and pink Summer Wine Physocarpus blooms Summer Wine Physocarpus blooming in a container YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Colorful foliage
  • Award winner
  • Disease resistant
Description

Mildew-resistant. Award-winning Summer Wine® ninebark combines the fine texture and compact branching of P. 'Nana' with the dark foliage of Diabolo®. In late spring, white button-like flowers accent the deep purple foliage nicely. In trials at Longwood Gardens, it was determined to have the best mildew resistance of all dark-leaf ninebarks. With its graceful, arching habit and landscape-friendly size, it's an easy way to add color and vibrance, especially in spring. Its color, vigor, and disease resistance makes it an excellent choice for cut flower growers looking for reliable foliage filler.

Awards
Theodore Klein Award, University of Kentucky Arboretum
USDA Zone
3 - 7 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun
Height
5 - 8'
Width
5 - 8'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Late spring
Flower Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Purple
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Extremely adaptable to soil pH and moisture levels.

Pruning

To best enjoy its naturally graceful habit, avoid habitual cutting back. If required, prune after flowering or thin out oldest stems in late winter/early spring. May benefit from periodic rejuvenation pruning.

Uses

Foundation plantings; mixed borders; specimen; hedging; landscaping.

Growing Tips

Though physocarpus can grow in part shade, flowering, foliage color, and disease resistance is best with a minimum of six hours of sun. Physocarpus is amenable to pruning and recovers from it quickly; however, frequent cutting back may cause the plant to develop an odd habit.

  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week September 12, 2019
  • Spec Sheet: Summer Wine® Physocarpus Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Summer Wine® Physocarpus Benchcard
  • Tag: Summer Wine® Physocarpus Tag
  • Grower Sheet: Summer Wine® Physocarpus Grower Sheet

    • Features: Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Foliage interest, Cut flower, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Native, Alkaline soil

    Filters: Botanical genus: Physocarpus, Common name: Ninebark, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Spring, Pink flowers, Purple foliage

    Features: Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Foliage interest, Cut flower, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Native, Alkaline soil

    Filters: Botanical genus: Physocarpus, Common name: Ninebark, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Spring, Pink flowers, Purple foliage