Physocarpus opulifolius Annys Gold - Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Anny's Gold'®, is a new variety of Ninebark with particularly bright foliage in partially shaded areas of the garden. Vigorous and bushy, this deciduous bush is adorned with unusually green acid foliage marginated with yellow from spring to autumn. A lovely white flowering in June, in the form of numerous small white corymbs, adds to its charm, followed by small red fruits enhanced by the light foliage. In winter, its bark exfoliates with a lot of character. Combine it with dark foliage in borders and hedges, once established, it requires little maintenance!

Physocarpus opulifolius belongs to the rose 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 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 7 feet) high and 1.2 metres (4 feet) wide. The young tender green shoots in spring, then they brown. 'Anny's Gold'® is a very branched, dense variety with an upright and bushy habit, somewhat spreading with age. It is remarkable for the colouration of its leaves that emerge in a light yellow shade, becoming light green and marginated with more or less vivid yellow tinged with cream as they unfold. This Ninebark then transforms into a beautiful mass of green light. The leaves are lobed, deeply cut, crenate and measure from 3 to 8cm (1 to 3in). From spring to early summer, flattened corymbs appear adorned with buds that open into small white flowers with pink stamens, nectar-rich. They are followed by red fruits appreciated by birds in autumn. The bush remains decorative in winter, with its bark exfoliating in beige to reddish-brown patches.

Physocarpus 'Anny's Gold'® will find its place in borders, in contrast with dark-foliaged shrubs such as 'Black Lace'® elderberry or 'All Black'® Ninebark. It will be charming in a loose hedge, accompanied by spireas (Spirea arguta, Spirea x billardii) and viburnums (Viburnum carlesii 'Chesapeake', Viburnum x bodnantense), dwarf winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus 'Compactus') or a Neillia affinis that it will illuminate. To accompany its unique foliage, one can plant purple Heucheras or Heucherellas at its base, for example. It will also have a great effect when planted in a container on a terrace or balcony.