Physocarpus opulifolius Lucky Devil

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lucky Devil', also known as 'ZLEMichael', is a variety of colourful golden Physocarpus whose foliage does not turn green in summer and orange in autumn. It is a small deciduous bush with a golden coat offering beautiful white flowering in June. Combine it with dark or bluish foliage in shrub borders. In moist soil, it requires little maintenance!

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lucky Devil' is a recent horticultural creation. Its wild ancestor, the Ninebark with Obier leaves, is a bush from the rose family native to the eastern United States, spreading as far as Quebec and Manitoba. 'Lucky Devil' has a medium to fast growth rate and will not exceed 1.20 m in all directions when fully grown. Its habit is very bushy, slightly spreading with age. The young stems are tender green in spring; then they turn brown. This selection is remarkable for the yellow colour of its leaves, which does not fade under the summer sun. Before falling in autumn, they turn orange. The leaves are lobed, deeply cut, crenate, and measure from 3 to 8 cm. Flattened corymbs adorned with buds appear in May-June, which open into small white nectariferous flowers. They are followed by a few red fruits appreciated by birds in autumn. The bush remains decorative in winter, with its bark peeling off in beige to reddish-brown patches.

The 'Lucky Devil' Ninebark will find its place in shrub borders or large borders. Its golden foliage contrasts pleasantly with purple, red or "black" Ninebarks: 'All Black', 'Little Devil' or 'Lady in Red'. It will also be charming, with white-flowering spireas, shrubby artemisias, and grey foliage like Powis Castle. Dark Heucheras like 'Black Pearl' can be planted at its base to accompany its unique foliage. It will also significantly impact when grown in a container on a terrace or balcony.