Physocarpus opulifolius 'Smpotw' TINY WINE® common ninebark
Physocarpus
Ninebark is a low-maintenance, deciduous plant which is available in several varieties offering different leaf colours and habits. Timothy D. Wood is a renowned American breeder from Spring Meadows Nursery in Michigan who specializes mostly in flowering, deciduous shrubs, and this ninebark is his fantastic invention from summer 2006. It is a cross between an unnamed variety and Seward variety, patented as PP26749 in 2016. It belongs to the range of Proven Winners® tough and reliable plants.
TINY WINE® is a dwarf ninebark variety growing only about half the size of the species i.e. about 1.5m. It produces a profusion of small leaves which are deep burgundy red overall, and dark green inside the shrub. They are serrated at margins and turn deep orange and red in autumn. In late spring appear numerous small corymbs of light red buds opening to almost white, melliferous flowers, soon followed by dark red fruit that lasts for several months. In autumn becomes visible another attractive feature which gave this plant its name ninebark: peeling bark on older stems. It looks especially attractive on a sunny winter day against a layer of fresh snow on the ground.
TINY WINE® ninebark makes straight (non-bending) branches growing in all directions, so a larger plant looks like an explosion of burgundy red colour. Dark coloured foliage contrasts well with yellow and rich green leaves of plants growing close. Thanks to slow and compact growth it is ideal for informal, small-sized hedges.
Ninebarks are so easy to grow. They take any soil, pH and location. The root system is so sturdy it can easily grow through heavy clay that will provide nutrients for a fantastic plant. Location in full sun will enhance the leaf colour. Pruning is not necessary as it branches well but you can cut it in any manner from late winter until early summer. Fully hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3) and suitable for outdoor pots.
Last update 27-09-2019
