Diablo Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’Diablo Ninebark is a large native shrub prized for its dramatic deep burgundy foliage, arching branches, and strong landscape presence. In late spring to early summer, clusters of pale pink-white flowers bloom against the dark foliage, creating a striking contrast while attracting honey bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The rich foliage color remains attractive throughout the growing season and provides bold texture in mixed shrub borders and foundation plantings.
This vigorous multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 6′ – 8′ (ft) tall with a spread of 6′ – 8′ (ft). Its upright arching habit makes it an excellent choice for hedges, screening, specimen plantings, and mass plantings. Peeling bark adds winter interest after leaves drop.
Diablo Ninebark performs best in full sun to partial sun with well-drained soil. It adapts to a wide range of soil conditions and tolerates drought, heat, clay soils, and urban conditions once established. Pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages fresh growth.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Plant in full sun to partial sun for best foliage color and flowering.
Soil: Adapts to a variety of soils but prefers well-drained conditions.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Ninebark is drought-tolerant when mature.
Fertilizing: Fertilizer is rarely needed in average garden soils.
Pruning: Prune after flowering to shape and encourage vigorous new growth.
Spacing: Space plants 6′ – 8′ (ft) apart for mature spread and airflow.
Maintenance: Low maintenance and adaptable to varied growing conditions.
Its bold foliage color, adaptable nature, and pollinator-friendly blooms make Diablo Ninebark a standout focal point in sunny landscape designs.
