Physocarpus opulifolius Midnight - Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Midnight', also known as Ninebark 'Midnight', is the darkest variety. This bush, with its elegant habit, is remarkable for its very glossy, very dark purple foliage that turns orange-red in autumn. It blooms throughout spring, producing dark red corymbs that open into small light pink flowers that turn white, followed by red fruits. Easy to grow and very hardy, it pairs well with lighter plants in white or yellow tones to create a striking contrast.

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Midnight' belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a selection of seedlings from the 'Diabolo' variety. The species from which these varieties originate, Physocarpus opulifolius, is native to North America. This bush has a medium to fast growth rate and will reach a maximum adult size of 1.7 metres (6 feet) tall and 1.2 metres (4 feet) wide.

This Ninebark is a deciduous bush with a highly branched,  elegant habit, initially upright and then arching with age. It is remarkable for its almost black, glossy foliage in spring and summer, which turns red in autumn. The leaves are palmate, lobed, deeply cut, and serrated. From spring to early summer, flattened corymbs adorned with purple buds appear, opening into small pale pink and then white flowers, which produce nectar. They are followed by red fruits that are appreciated by birds in autumn. The bush remains decorative in winter, with its bark exfoliating in beige to reddish-brown patches.

The 'Midnight' Ninebark will find its place in borders, providing contrast with bushes with lighter 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 Neillia (Neillia affinis) that it will illuminate. To accompany its changing colours, one can plant Heucheras or Heucherellas, for example, at its base.

The name Physocarpus opulifolius comes from the Greek 'phusa' meaning air bubble or vesicle, and 'karpos' which refers to fruit, in reference to the shape of the fruit. The resemblance of its foliage to that of the European Viburnum opulus earned it the specific name "opulifolius". Introduced to Europe around 1687, the numerous colourful cultivars that have been created in recent years have led to its resurgence in gardens.