Physocarpus opulifolius Luteus - Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Luteus' is a beautiful form with golden foliage of the Ninebark shrub, a large, hardy, vigorous, and bushy shrub, interesting for brightening up partially shaded areas of the garden. It also adorns itself with pretty white flowering in early summer, in the form of numerous small corymbs that add to its charm. Then come small red fruits that are enhanced by the chartreuse green foliage, sought after by some birds. In winter, devoid of leaves, this Ninebark reveals its bark that exfoliates with a lot of character. Pair it with dark foliage in borders and informal hedges, once established, it requires little maintenance!

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Luteus' belongs to the Rosaceae family. Its ancestor, the typical form, is native to the eastern United States, up to Quebec and Manitoba. The growth of this shrub is medium to fast and its adult size easily reaches 2m (7ft) in height and 1.50m (5ft) in width. Its habit is globular, even slightly spreading, supported by highly branched branches. "Luteus" is a remarkable form due to the colouration of its leaves which emerge in a light yellow shade, becoming yellowish-green in summer. This Ninebark then transforms into a beautiful mass of green light. The leaves are lobed, deeply incised, crenate, and measure from 3 to 8cm (1 to 3in). Deciduous, they fall in autumn. In June, flattened corymbs appear adorned with buds that open into small white, nectar-rich flowers. They are followed by red fruits appreciated by birds in autumn. The shrub remains decorative in winter, with its bark exfoliating into beige to reddish-brown plates. 

Physocarpus 'Luteus' will find its place in borders, in contrast with shrubs with dark foliage such as the elderberry 'Black Lace' or the 'Diabolo' Ninebark. It will be charming within an informal hedge, in the company of spireas (Spirea vanhouttei, Spirea x billardii) and viburnums (Viburnum carlesii, Viburnum x bodnantense), winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus), or a Neillia affinis that it will illuminate. To accompany its unique foliage, one can plant purple Heucheras or Heucherellas at its base, for example.