Physocarpus opulifolius All Black - Ninebark

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'All Black' is a new variety of Ninebark resulting from Minier's research with exceptionally dark foliage, reduced growth and a compact habit. This variety has the darkest colour ever observed in these shrubs, a purple so dark that it appears almost black. White-pink flowering in late spring creates a beautiful contrast with the foliage, followed by small red fruits when the leaves turn red-orange in autumn. So many qualities combined in a small bush that will not exceed 1.20m (3 in 11 ft) justify its use in all small spaces, from the garden to the terrace and balcony, by the pool or on the patio.

The Physocarpus opulifolius belongs to the Rosaceae family, it is native to the eastern United States, up to Quebec and Manitoba. The cultivar All Black 'Minall 2', recently obtained in France and edited by SAPHO, shows a bushy, upright and branching habit supported by branches that flex with age when it grows freely. The growth of this shrub is moderate to fast and its mature size will not exceed 1.2m (3 in 11 ft) in height and 80-90 cm (31.5 - 35.4 in) in width.

Notable for the intense purple-black colour of its foliage, it also features a beautiful late spring flowering followed by decorative fruiting. In May-June, 5cm (2in) diameter inflorescences appear, in flattened corymbs adorned with pink buds that open into small, nectar-rich white flowers. They are followed by red fruits, appreciated by birds in autumn. The leaves are lobed, deeply cut, serrated measuring from 3 to 8cm (1.2 - 3.1in) and take on a beautiful red-orange colour in autumn before falling. The shrub remains decorative in winter, with its bark peeling off in beige to reddish-brown patches.

The 'All Black' Ninebark will work in beds or borders, in contrast with light, golden foliage shrubs (Euonymus japonicus 'Aureovariegata', Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns') or silver foliage shrubs (dwarf artemisia, dwarf willows). It will be charming within a small informal hedge, in the company of spireas (Spirea arguta, Spirea x billardii), viburnums (Viburnum carlesii, Viburnum x bodnantense), winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus compactus) or a Neillia (Neillia affinis) that it will brighten up. To accompany its changing colours, one can plant Heuchera or Heucherella, or even a Ceratostigma plumbaginoides with small electric blue flowers in summer and autumn. It will have a great effect when planted in a container on a terrace or balcony where it can live for many years with little maintenance.

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