Raspberry Lemonade™ Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius ‘ZLEYel2’Raspberry Lemonade™ Ninebark is a striking, compact ornamental shrub that delivers interest with its radiant chartreuse-green foliage, delicate white flowers, and richly colored fruit pods. From early spring through late fall, this variety provides consistent color and texture, making it a valuable addition to a wide range of landscape designs. Its bright foliage stands out beautifully against darker evergreens and flowering shrubs, adding contrast and visual depth to mixed plantings.
In late spring to early summer, Raspberry Lemonade™ produces clusters of small white flowers that cover the plant and attract honey bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. These blooms are followed by distinctive coral-red seed capsules that persist into fall, extending its ornamental appeal well beyond the flowering season. As temperatures cool, the foliage may develop soft golden tones before dropping, revealing the plant’s naturally exfoliating bark, which adds winter interest and structural beauty.
This variety maintains a naturally compact, rounded habit, reaching approximately 3 to 4 feet in height and width at maturity. Its manageable size makes it ideal for smaller landscapes, foundation plantings, mass groupings, and container displays. It works equally well as a colorful accent shrub or as part of a low informal hedge.
As a selection of a North American native species, Raspberry Lemonade™ Ninebark is well adapted to local growing conditions and performs reliably in Mid-Atlantic landscapes. It tolerates a wide range of soils and demonstrates good resistance to pests and diseases. Once established, it requires minimal supplemental watering and ongoing maintenance, making it an excellent choice for low-input gardens.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Select a site with full sun for best foliage color and flowering, though light shade may be tolerated.
Soil: Plant in well-drained soil; adapts to clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water during extended dry periods.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base, keeping mulch away from the stem.
Pruning: Prune after flowering or in late winter to remove dead wood and maintain shape.
Spacing: Space plants 3–4 feet apart for proper air circulation and mature growth.
Maintenance: Low to moderate; thin older stems periodically to encourage vigorous new growth.
With its bright foliage, showy flowers, ornamental fruit, and attractive bark, Raspberry Lemonade™ Ninebark offers four-season interest and dependable performance. It is well suited for gardeners seeking long-lasting beauty, wildlife value, and easy care in one versatile shrub.
