Physocarpus opulifolius Summer Wine - Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Summer Wine', also known as Physocarpus opulifolius Summer Wine ('Seward'), is a new American variety of Ninebark with foliage that retains a particularly dark purple to chocolate colour throughout the season, and produces abundant flowering in late spring, followed by small, highly decorative red fruits in autumn. This deciduous shrub also has the advantage of compact growth, making it well-suited for small spaces. It is easy to grow in any soil that is sufficiently deep, even slightly chalky and relatively dry in summer. 

Physocarpus opulifolius belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to the eastern United States, as well as Quebec and Manitoba. This recently obtained cultivar from the USA, has a bushy, ramified, and compact habit, supported by branches that bend gracefully with age when it grows freely. This shrub has a moderate to fast growth rate and will reach a maximum height of 1.2 m to 1.6 m (3.9 ft to 5.2 ft) with a width of 1.2 m (3.9 ft).

Notable for its dark and long-lasting foliage colour, it is also adorned with abundant flowering in late spring and attractive fruiting in autumn. In May and June, 5 cm (2 in) diameter inflorescences appear in flattened corymbs adorned with pink buds that open into small nectar-rich white flowers. They are followed by the formation of red fruits that are appreciated by birds in autumn. The leaves are lobed, deeply cut, serrated, and measure from 3 cm to 8 cm (1.2 in to 3.1 in). The shrub remains decorative in winter, with its bark exfoliating in beige to reddish-brown flakes.

'Summer Wine' will find its place in borders, contrasting with light, golden foliage shrubs (Euonymus japonicus 'Aureovariegata', Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns') or silver foliage shrubs (Artemisia arborea). It will be charming in a mixed hedge, accompanied by spireas (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 complement its changing colours, plant Heucheras or Heucherellas at is base. It will also have a great impact when planted in containers 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 the European Cranberrybush has earned it its specific name "opulifolius". Introduced to Europe around 1687, the many colourful cultivars that have been created in recent years have led to its resurgence in gardens.