Physocarpus opulifolius Little Devil - Ninebark

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil', also known as the Obier-leaved Physocarpus bush, is the dwarf and compact form of Physocarpus 'Diabolo', making it preferred for small gardens. Compact and dense, remarkable for its purple foliage so dark that it appears almost black, then turning orange-red in autumn. It blooms throughout spring, producing clusters of dark red buds that open into small white flowers. It is not without charm in winter, when its bark peels off.

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil' belongs to the Rosaceae family, it is native to the eastern United States, up to Quebec and Manitoba. The growth of this bush is medium to fast and its adult size will not exceed 1m (3ft) in height and 1.20m (11ft) in width.
The 'Little Devil' Obier-leaved Physocarpus is a deciduous bush, highly branched, with a dense habit, initially upright and then arching with age. Remarkable for its almost black foliage in spring and summer, becoming coppery orange and red in autumn. The leaves are lobed, deeply cut, and serrated. From spring to early summer, flattened clusters of purple buds appear, opening into small white flowers with nectar. They are followed by red fruits appreciated by birds in autumn. The bush remains decorative in winter, with its bark peeling off in beige to reddish-brown flakes.

Plant Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil' in deep, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acidic soil. It dislikes excessive limestone or acidity. Avoid letting the soil dry out in summer and water the foliage during heatwaves. This bush thrives in partial shade or full sun, but the foliage colours will be more pronounced if planted in a sunny location. This small bush does not require pruning. Indeed, it is much less likely to become bare at the base than cultivars with larger growth.

Physocarpus 'Diabolo' will find its place in flower beds, to contrast with bushes with light foliage. It will be charming in a mixed hedge, accompanied by spiraeas (Spirea arguta, Spirea x billardii), viburnums (Viburnum carlesii 'Chesapeake', Viburnum x bodnantense), dwarf winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus compactus), or a Neillia (Neillia affinis) that it will brighten up. To accompany its changing colours, one can plant Heucheras or Heucherellas, for example, at its base. It will also have a great effect when planted in a container on a terrace or balcony.

The name Physocarpus comes from the Greek 'phusa', which means air bubble or vesicle, and 'karpos', which refers to the fruit, in reference to the fruit's shape. The resemblance of its foliage to that of the Obier viburnum earned it the specific name "opulifolius". Introduced in Europe around 1687, the many vibrant cultivars created in recent years have allowed its strong comeback in gardens.