Physocarpus opulifolius Choco Flame - Ninebark

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Choco Flame' is a variety of Physocarpus opulifolius that stands out for the unique colour of its foliage. It displays a bronze hue, which, in young shoots, is tinged with gold in the centre, creating a bold and new contrast. Of medium size, the bush branches spontaneously and has dense vegetation. The spring flowering in corymbs of small white flowers stands out against the dark background of the foliage. In summer, decorative red fruits succeed the flowers. Easy to grow, it only fears excessive limestone or pronounced drought. Perfect for small gardens, where it can also be grown in a container on a terrace, it integrates well in a mixed border as well as in a lively hedge.

Physocarpus is a member of the large and important family of Rosaceae, which includes most of our temperate climate fruit trees (Pear, Apple, Cherry, Peach...), many wild plants from our countryside (Cinquefoil, Burnet...) and many ornamental plants (Firethorn, Cherry...). The name of the plant comes from the Greek physa (bladder) and karpos (fruit) because its fruits are vesicular follicles. Close to Spiraea and Neillia, Physocarpus stands out for its corymb flowers and its follicle fruits, grouped by 4 or 5.
There are about a dozen species of Physocarpus, including P. opulifolius native to eastern North America. It forms a vigorous shrub that can reach 3m in height, with erect to spreading branches, some of which bend down to the ground to layer, i.e. they root and give rise to a new plant from there. The green foliage turns yellow in autumn and the brown bark exfoliates, reinforcing the plant's decorative interest. This ornamental species was introduced to Europe as early as the end of the seventeenth century, but it is only in recent years with the development of many cultivars that it has spread in our gardens.
Choco Flame is a recent horticultural variety that brings a new colour to the range of Physocarpus. The young shoots of the bush are indeed bronzed, with a golden heart that creates a unique contrast. Of medium size, it reaches 1.50m in all directions, with harmonious branching and numerous shoots. The dense vegetation takes on a homogeneous bronze colour during the season, which allows for original associations with other plants with colourful foliage. The trilobed leaves with well-visible veins have a typical and very ornamental pattern. The flowering appears in May-June, in the form of almost spherical corymbs made up of small white flowers barely 1cm in diameter. The corymbs, 4 to 5cm in diameter, are well highlighted by the foliage which forms a relatively dark background. They mainly form at the ends of the branches, thus dominating the vegetation. In summer, small decorative bright red fruits succeed the flowers, further enhancing the ornamental value of the bush. Deciduous, the leaves fall in autumn, revealing the beautiful silhouette of the plant. Easy to grow, this medium-sized Physocarpus tolerates pruning well and can also be grown in a container on a terrace.

After the varieties with green, golden, variegated, and purple foliage, the Physocarpus 'Choco Flame' stands out with its very original bronze colour. Plant it alongside shrubs such as Caryopteris clandonensis Sterling Silver, whose silver-grey foliage will elegantly complement the bronze of your Physocarpus. Its flowering, of intense blue, later since it extends from August to October, will broaden the flowering period of your scene. To bring a touch of light, also install a Choysia Aztec Gold. This Mexican Orange Blossom stands out for its pleasantly cut foliage, very aromatic and of remarkable golden green. Blooming at the same time as Choco Flame, with often a second flowering in summer, it produces white flowers that exude a scent of orange blossom. And to support the Caryopteris in summer, choose a Lagerstroemia Dynamite: its intense cherry red flowering lasts all summer, from July to October, while its foliage oscillates between red when it emerges, dark green to slightly purple in season before turning red in autumn.