Physocarpus opulifolius Fireside 'UMN Harpell' First Editions® - Ninebark

The Physocarpus opulifolius Fireside First Editions, with its cultivar name 'UMN Harpell', is a variety of Ninebark whose dark foliage retains its intense colour throughout the season, even in hot climates. Its spring shoots are tinged with red and become dark red-purple when mature. The plant is resistant to powdery mildew. The white-pink flowers bloom in spring and the foliage turns dark purple in autumn. Finally, this variety has an upright and rounded habit. Hardy, it adapts to almost all soils, from acidic to moderately chalky, moist to not too dry, in full sun or partial shade.

The Physocarpus opulifolius belongs to the large and important Rosaceae family, which gives us so many ornamental species (Roses of course, but also Photinia, Cotoneaster, Amelanchier...) as well as most of our temperate climate fruit trees (Pear tree, Apple tree, Cherry tree, Peach tree, Apricot tree, Plum tree...). This Ninebark is a species native to the eastern United States, up to Quebec (where it is known by the lovely name of "wood with 7 barks") and Manitoba. It forms a fairly large shrub of about 3 m in all directions, with lobed leaves reminiscent of those of the Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus, hence the species name of this Physocarpus opulifolius). This ornamental species was introduced to Europe in the late seventeenth century, but it is only in recent years, with the development of numerous cultivars, that it has become widespread in our gardens.

The Fireside Ninebark is a recent introduction from the United States by First Editions, which offers a selection of "premium" plants with excellent performance. This charming shrub was selected for its exceptional dark red-purple foliage. With its well-marked lobes and exceptional dark colour, the leaves reflect light like a body of water. This beautiful foliage is adorned in June-July with a beautiful white-pink flowering in numerous corymbs, which stand out against this dark mass. Nectariferous, the flowers are highly visited by pollinating insects. They are followed by small red bladder-shaped fruits appreciated by birds in autumn.
Of medium size, about 2 m in all directions, Fireside maintains a beautiful neat and rounded habit as it grows. With a moderately fast growth rate, this shrub benefits from being pruned in spring to promote the emergence of new shoots and to maintain its very bushy appearance that adds to its charm. Truly hardy (down to -25°C at least), it is a rather accommodating and easy-to-grow shrub. Its limited size and good pruning tolerance allow it to be grown in smaller gardens.

The Fireside Ninebark is wonderfully suited for creating dynamic borders thanks to its deep purple foliage. In full sun, it pairs perfectly with Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Lady', a small smoke tree with golden-green foliage that offers a striking contrast. For slightly shaded areas, the same effect can be achieved with Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus'. In a contemporary and sunny setting, consider planting the Fireside Ninebark in the background with Perovskia 'Silvery Blue', which has light grey foliage and lavender-blue flowers. In the foreground, Epimediums or Heucheras, such as 'Berry Smoothie', create a visually pleasing carpet and draw the eye downward, complementing the vertical structure of the garden. Finally, this Ninebark also finds its place in containers on terraces or balconies, where it brings a touch of nature and colour, even in small spaces.