Physocarpus opulifolius Panther - Ninebark

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Panther' is a variety of Ninebark with shiny leaves of deep purple-black. This bush has an upright habit and retains its beautiful colour throughout the growing season. Rounded corymbs of small pale pink flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. The bare stems exfoliate beautifully during the winter months. This medium-sized plant is easy to grow in most situations. It is very hardy and adapts to almost all types of soil, from acidic to moderately alkaline, moist to moderately dry, in full sun or partial shade.

The Physocarpus opulifolius belongs to the large and important family of Rosaceae, which provides us with many ornamental species (including Roses, Photinia, Cotoneaster, Amelanchier...) as well as most of our temperate climate fruit trees (Pear, Apple, Cherry, Peach, Apricot, Plum...). This Ninebark is a species native to the eastern United States, up to Quebec (where it is known as the "seven bark wood") and Manitoba. It forms a fairly large shrub, about 3m in all directions, with lobed leaves resembling those of the Viburnum opulus (hence the species name of this Physocarpus opulifolius). This ornamental species was introduced to Europe as early as the late seventeenth century, but it is only in recent years, with the development of many cultivars, that it has become popular in our gardens.

The 'Panther' Ninebark offers satin leaves with well-defined lobes in an exceptional dark colour. This beautiful foliage blooms in June-July with a lovely pale pink flowering in numerous corymbs, which stand out distinctly against the dark mass. Nectariferous, the flowers are highly visited by pollinating insects. They are followed by red fruits in the shape of small bladders that birds appreciate in autumn.
Despite its moderate size, about 1.50m in all directions, 'Panther' easily catches the eye. With a moderately fast growth rate, this shrub benefits from being pruned in spring to promote the emergence of new shoots and maintain its charming, dense appearance. Truly hardy (down to -25°C at least), it is a rather accommodating and easy-to-grow shrub. Its limited development and good pruning tolerance make it suitable for small gardens.

The 'Panther' Ninebark is ideal for mass planting, creating contrasts with shrubs with light or golden foliage. It is perfect in the sun alongside the Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Lady', a small tree with golden green foliage that creates a strong contrast. In a slightly shaded area, the same effect can be achieved with a Philadelphus coronarius Aureus, a golden version of the well-known Mock Orange. In a sunny contemporary garden, a very stylish combination would be to plant it in the background of the Perovskia Silvery Blue, with its light grey foliage and lavender blue flowers. In the foreground, the highly architectural Phlomis russeliana, with its cascading green leaves and yellow flowers, will also make a big impression, as well as Epimediums, whose delicate flowers will be enhanced by the dark background of our Ninebark.