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Physocarpus opulifolius Midnight - Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius Midnight
Ninebark

3,8/5
5 reviews
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1 reviews

Very well, delivery received on time, thank you for your respect, well packaged.

michel, 06/10/2022

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

A deciduous bush with an elegant habit, a plant with almost black, very shiny purple foliage, illuminated by a pink flowering and red fruits. Easy to grow in fertile, well-drained, rather moist soil, very hardy, it combines well with other light-coloured plants, in white or yellow tones, to create a striking contrast.
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
1.50 m
Spread at maturity
1.50 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time February to March, October to November
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time May to July
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Description

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Midnight', also known as Ninebark 'Midnight', is the darkest variety. This bush, with its elegant habit, is remarkable for its very glossy, very dark purple foliage that turns orange-red in autumn. It blooms throughout spring, producing dark red corymbs that open into small light pink flowers that turn white, followed by red fruits. Easy to grow and very hardy, it pairs well with lighter plants in white or yellow tones to create a striking contrast.

 

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Midnight' belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a selection of seedlings from the 'Diabolo' variety. The species from which these varieties originate, Physocarpus opulifolius, is native to North America. This bush has a medium to fast growth rate and will reach a maximum adult size of 1.7 metres (6 feet) tall and 1.2 metres (4 feet) wide.

This Ninebark is a deciduous bush with a highly branched,  elegant habit, initially upright and then arching with age. It is remarkable for its almost black, glossy foliage in spring and summer, which turns red in autumn. The leaves are palmate, lobed, deeply cut, and serrated. From spring to early summer, flattened corymbs adorned with purple buds appear, opening into small pale pink and then white flowers, which produce nectar. They are followed by red fruits that are appreciated by birds in autumn. The bush remains decorative in winter, with its bark exfoliating in beige to reddish-brown patches.

 


The 'Midnight' Ninebark will find its place in borders, providing contrast with bushes with lighter 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 Neillia (Neillia affinis) that it will illuminate. To accompany its changing colours, one can plant Heucheras or Heucherellas, for example, at its base.


The name Physocarpus opulifolius comes from the Greek 'phusa' meaning air bubble or vesicle, and 'karpos' which refers to fruit, in reference to the shape of the fruit. The resemblance of its foliage to that of the European Viburnum opulus earned it the specific name "opulifolius". Introduced to Europe around 1687, the numerous colourful cultivars that have been created in recent years have led to its resurgence in gardens.

Physocarpus opulifolius Midnight - Ninebark in pictures

Physocarpus opulifolius Midnight - Ninebark (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.50 m
Spread at maturity 1.50 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time May to July
Inflorescence Corymb
Flower size 5 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Flowering description Pink, nectar-rich corymbs.
Fruit colour red

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour black
Foliage description Deciduous. Dark purple turning red in autumn.

Botanical data

Genus

Physocarpus

Species

opulifolius

Cultivar

Midnight

Family

Rosaceae

Other common names

Ninebark

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference5680022

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Planting and care

Plant Physocarpus opulifolius 'Midnight' in deep, humus-rich, fertile and moist, neutral to acidic soil. It fears excess limestone or acidity. Avoid letting the soil dry out in summer and shower the foliage during heatwaves. This bush will thrive in partial shade or in the sun, but the foliage colors will be more pronounced if planted in a sunny location. This bush requires pruning. Indeed, it sometimes tends to become bare at the base. Proceed after flowering, by cutting back overly arched stems.

Planting period

Best planting time February to March, October to November
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Back of border, Free-standing, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Rich and well-draining

Care

Pruning instructions This bush requires pruning. Indeed, it sometimes tends to thin out from the base. Proceed after flowering, by cutting back the excessively arched stems.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time January, July to August
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
3,8/5
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