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© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' (marketed in the commercial trade as Summer Wine) is a deciduous shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae) reaching 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) tall with a spread of 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) and a compact rounded densely branched habit with finely-cut foliage and exfoliating bark on mature stems. This ninebark cultivar combines the dark foliage color of 'Diabolo' with a more compact growth habit — the alternate deeply-cut 3- to 5-lobed leaves run 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) across in dark burgundy-wine to purple-red tones, with more deeply incised lobes than most other dark-leaved ninebarks carry. The deep lobe incisions build a finer textural quality across the canopy than 'Diabolo' or 'Mindia' offer. Small pinkish-white to white flowers in rounded corymbs 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across open during June. Growth rate runs moderate. Hardy to zone 3. The compact mature size at 5–6 feet runs roughly half the canopy volume of 'Diabolo' at 8–10 feet, with the finest textural quality across the dark-leaved ninebark cultivar group.
Native Range
Physocarpus opulifolius is native to eastern North America. The 'Seward' cultivar (marketed as Summer Wine) was selected by Bailey Nurseries in Minnesota and introduced into commercial cultivation as a more compact alternative to 'Diabolo'.Suggested Uses
Grown in mixed-shrub borders, as a low hedge, or as a specimen shrub at 4–5 foot (1.2–1.5 m) spacing. The compact 5–6 foot mature size suits garden plantings where 'Diabolo' at 8–10 feet would exceed the allocated footprint, which gives 'Seward' a working role in smaller-scale shrub compositions. The finely-textured deeply-lobed dark foliage carries season-long ornamental value across the canopy without relying on flower display. The parent species is a North American native shrub. Shaded positions that green out the foliage and garden settings requiring dark foliage below 4 feet of mature height are both unsuitable given the cultural profile.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 6'
Width/Spread5' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Small pinkish-white to white flowers in rounded corymbs 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across open during June across a 2-week bloom window. Reddish inflated seed capsules follow the flower display and persist into autumn on the shrub framework.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pinkish-white to white small flowers in rounded corymbs 1-2 inches across during June; reddish seed capsules followFoliage Description
Dark burgundy-wine to purple-red tones on deeply-cut 3- to 5-lobed leaves 1.5-2.5 inches across; finely-textured canopy qualityGrowing 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
Grows in full sun in moist well-drained soil at pH 5.0–7.5, tolerating loam, clay, sand, and silt. Hardy to zone 3. Full-sun exposure is required for the deepest foliage color across the growing season — shaded positions reduce the burgundy-wine color intensity and green out the canopy. The compact growth habit carries lower pruning maintenance than larger cultivars like 'Diabolo' carry. Clay tolerance runs within the cultural tolerance range.Pruning
Pruning is done in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges. The compact growth habit reduces pruning maintenance compared to larger cultivars like 'Diabolo'. The oldest stems are removed at ground level every few years to rejuvenate the branch structure.Pruning Schedule
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early spring