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I.Sáček, senior, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' is a deciduous shrub reaching 8-10 feet (2.4-3 m) tall with a spread of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) and a strongly upright, vase-shaped to arching habit with exfoliating bark. This ninebark cultivar is the original and largest dark-leaved selection—the alternate, 3-5 lobed, maple-like leaves are 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across, emerging dark burgundy-purple to nearly black-purple and holding their color through the season in full sun. Small pinkish-white flowers in rounded corymbs 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) appear in June, contrasting against the dark foliage, followed by reddish inflated seed capsules. The bark exfoliates in papery tan to brown strips on mature stems. Growth rate is fast. Hardy to zone 3. The largest ninebark cultivar in the collection—may reach 10 feet if unpruned. Introduced by Kordes nursery, Germany, 1990s.
Native Range
Physocarpus opulifolius is native to eastern North America. 'Diabolo' was selected by Kordes nursery, Germany.Suggested Uses
Planted as a screen, hedge, or specimen at 6-8 foot (1.8-2.4 m) spacing. The darkest-foliaged ninebark. Native species. Fast growing—may outgrow small gardens. Full sun essential for color. Not suitable for shade (greening), confined spaces, or sites where 10-foot height is problematic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Small pinkish-white flowers in rounded corymbs 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), June. The pale flowers contrast against dark foliage. Bloom duration 2 weeks. Followed by reddish inflated seed capsules.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pinkish-white; small in rounded corymbs 1-2 inches; Jun; contrasts dark foliage; reddish capsules followFoliage Description
Dark burgundy-purple to nearly black-purple; 3-5 lobed maple-like 2-3 inches; holds color in sunGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil (pH 5.0-7.5). Hardy to zone 3. Full sun essential for dark foliage color—shade causes greening to muddy green-purple. Tolerates clay and a range of conditions. Fast growing—annual pruning recommended. The largest cultivar—needs space.Pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring. Remove up to 1/3 of oldest stems at ground level annually. Can be hard-pruned to control size. Reveals exfoliating bark on older wood.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring