Physocarpus opulifolius Lady in Red - Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red', also known as Physocarpus or Ninebark, is a bush with a compact habit and dense vegetation adorned with red hues. Its juvenile foliage is remarkable, evolving from coppery red to satin purple when mature. The young leaves appear from spring to summer on twisted and brown branches, giving the plant a two-tone red colour. From May to June, it produces flowers of white corymbs. It is followed by small red fruits, tinged with green, in autumn. It is not without charm in winter, when its bark exfoliates in beige patches on a dark brown background.

Physocarpus opulifolius belongs to the Rosaceae family and 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 m to 2 m (4.9 ft to 6.6 ft) in height and 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in width. The 'Lady in Red' Ninebark, from which it originates, is a deciduous bush that is highly branched and has a dense habit, initially upright and then arching with age. Remarkable for its young leaves that emerge in a bright red to coppery hue, it astonishes even more as they gradually turn purple throughout the growing season, transforming this Ninebark into an extraordinary ball of red light. The leaves are lobed, deeply cut, serrated, and measure from 3 cm to 8 cm (1.2 in to 3.1 in). The spectacle of the foliage continues when flowering occurs. From spring to early summer, flattened corymbs adorned with purple buds appear, opening into small white to pinkish nectar-filled flowers. 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.

'Lady in Red' looks incredible in borders, especially when contrasted with bushes bearing light foliage. It will be charming in a mixed hedge, accompanied by spiraeas (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 illuminate. To accompany its changing colours, you can plant Heucheras or Heucherellas, for example, at its base. It will also make a great impact when planted in a container 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 it shape. The resemblance of its foliage to that of the Viburnum opulus earned it its specific name "opulifolius". Introduced to Europe around 1687, the numerous shimmering cultivars that have been created in recent years have allowed it to make a strong comeback in gardens.