Physocarpus opulifolius Lucky Devil

<strong>Physocarpus or Ninebark is a graceful bush</strong><strong> that is very hardy</strong> and accessible to any gardener. The <strong>trilobed leaves</strong> with prominent veins, borne on bright red stems, <strong>brilliantly illuminate the garden at the awakening of spring</strong> with lovely colours of purple-red or golden yellow. The <strong>flowering in pinkish-white corymbs</strong> adds embellishments between <strong>May and July</strong>. <strong>Autumn</strong> marks the crowning of this bush with the <strong>flaming</strong> of the foliage accompanied by <strong>brilliant fruiting</strong>. It enjoys a <strong>rich, rather acidic, well-drained and cool summer soil</strong> and is suitable <strong>for full sun</strong> as long as the soil remains cool in summer or <strong>partial shade</strong>. It integrates easily into a <strong>wild hedge</strong> that will please both pollinating insects and birds fond of its fruits, as well as in an <strong>urban setting</strong>. The compact forms with spectacular hues <strong>grow very well in pots or in a small garden</strong> alongside perennials or other bushes, <strong>offering interest throughout the year.</strong> [caption id="attachment_46595" align="aligncenter" width="1172"]<img class="size-full wp-image-46595" src="https://www.promessedefleurs.com/blogwp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Physocarpus-opulifolius-inflorescence.jpg" alt="Physocarpus, flower" width="1172" height="780" /> Beautiful corymb inflorescence of a Physocarpus.[/caption] Canadians refer to it as "<em>wood of seven barks</em>" due to the <strong>layering of the bark</strong> in thin plates of older specimens. This characteristic must have caught the attention of Indigenous peoples who used the inner bark of <strong>Physocarpus</strong> for its <strong>medicinal properties</strong> as a purgative, emetic, and anti-bacterium. However, this character is not the main asset of this <strong>North American bush</strong> that has been revived in recent years. There are forms for all tastes, from majestic large bushes reaching nearly 3 m high to smaller ones barely exceeding a metre, with golden-green foliage to brighten up the beds, purple-red bronze to almost black to play with the rays of light.