Get 50% off al spring bulbs!
Share your pictures? Hide split images
I have read and agree the terms and conditions of service.

Physocarpus opulifolius Rubella - Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius Rubella
Ninebark

Be the first to leave a review

This item is not available in your country.

Schedule delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

This brand new Physocarpus is a compact bush (1m (3ft) to 1.25 m (4ft)) with low and dense vegetation, and remarkable, glossy foliage, purple with a ruby red underside. The plant blooms abundantly, with light pink flowers in May-June. Hardy, easy to grow in ordinary soil, this variety requires very little maintenance and is suitable for small gardens as well as container gardening.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
1.10 m
Spread at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
plantfit-full

Does this plant fit my garden?

Set up your Plantfit profile →

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time May to June
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Rubella' is a brand new variety of Physocarpus, or Ninebark, interesting for its low and compact growth, well suited to small gardens, and its foliage brilliantly coloured in shades of purple-red and ruby-red. In spring, it showcases an abundant flowering, in delicate smoky pink corymbs, followed by a lovely production of small red fruits. It is not without charm in winter, when its bark exfoliates in beige patches on a dark brown background.


Physocarpus opulifolius 'Rubella' belongs to the Rosaceae family, its ancestor is native to the eastern United States, and spread as far as Quebec and Manitoba. The growth of this bush is medium to slow and its adult size will not exceed 1.25m (4ft) in height by 1.10m (4ft) in width. Its foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn. This very hardy species grows in any loose garden soil that is not too dry. It is a highly branched bush, with a dense habit, initially upright and then slightly arching with age. Very ornamental with its glossy leaves that emerge in a bright red to copper colour, then gradually turn purple throughout the growing season, while retaining a ruby-red underside. The leaves are entire, lobed, deeply cut, crenate, and measure 3 to 8cm (1 to 3in) in length. The bush is at its peak when flowering occurs in May-June. These are flattened corymbs, small bouquets garnis of purple buds that open into small nectar-rich pink flowers, highly visited by bees. They are followed by red fruits appreciated by birds in autumn.


The 'Rubella' Ninebark will find its place in flower beds or in a low hedge, to contrast with light-foliaged bushes, accompany bushes with pink flowers (roses, Deutzia) or blue flowers. It will be charming in the company of 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 illuminate. To accompany its brilliant colours, one can plant Heucheras or Heucherellas, for example, at its base. It will also have a great effect planted in a container on a terrace or balcony.


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

Physocarpus opulifolius Rubella - Ninebark in pictures

Physocarpus opulifolius Rubella - Ninebark (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.10 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Corymb
Flower size 4 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Flowering description Corymbs of pink, nectar-rich flowers.
Fruit colour red

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour red
Foliage description Deciduous. Opening red, maturing to purple.

Botanical data

Genus

Physocarpus

Species

opulifolius

Cultivar

Rubella

Family

Rosaceae

Other common names

Ninebark

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference1007651

Other Physocarpus

54
From €3.70 8/9 cm pot

Available in 3 sizes

5
From €16.50 3L/4L pot

Available in 2 sizes

5
From €18.50 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

47
From €3.70 8/9 cm pot

Available in 3 sizes

59
From €6.90 8/9 cm pot
9
From €16.50 3L/4L pot
8
From €20.50 3L/4L pot

Available in 2 sizes

7
€59.00 7.5L/10L pot

Planting and care

Plant Physocarpus opulifolius 'Rubella' in deep, well-loosened, humus-rich, and preferably neutral to acidic soil. It fears excess limestone and excessively dry and/or compacted soils. Avoid letting the soil dry out in summer and water the foliage during heatwaves. This bush will thrive in partial shade or full sun, but the foliage colours will be more pronounced if planted in a sunny location. Thin out dense plants by severely pruning some of the arched branches after flowering. This can promote the development of new flower buds in late summer. Physocarpus tends to produce many suckers, to the detriment of the main plant; it may be useful to cut it back (cutting all branches near the ground in spring) to give it a denser appearance.

Planting period

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

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Container, 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, Ordinary, well-worked and deep

Care

Pruning instructions Open up dense plants by cutting back severely some of the arched stems after flowering. This can promote the emergence of new flower buds in late summer. Physocarpus tends to produce many suckers, to the detriment of the main plant; it may be useful to cut all branches near the ground in spring to give it a denser appearance, every 4-5 years.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time August
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

This item has not been reviewed yet - be the first to leave a review about it.

Leave a review →

Spring-flowering shrubs

12
From €20.50 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

15
€37.50 3L/4L pot

Available in 2 sizes

5
From €99.00 7.5L/10L pot

Available in 2 sizes

Out of stock
From €3.70 8/9 cm pot
6
From €12.50 3L/4L pot
5
€49.00 4L/5L pot
39
From €3.70 Bare root

Available in 3 sizes

5
From €79.00 7.5L/10L pot
45
From €3.70 8/9 cm pot

Available in 3 sizes

Haven't found what you were looking for?

We only deliver seed and bulb products to your country. If you add other products to your basket, they cannot be shipped.