Physocarpus opulifolius Raspberry Lemonade - Ninebark

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Raspberry Lemonade' is a recent variety of Ninebark bush attractive for its foliage, flowering, and decorative fruiting. This deciduous bush has a well-branched, dense, and compact growth habit. Its small, lobed leaves have a beautiful colour that ranges from chartreuse green to golden depending on the exposure. Small clusters of white flowers appear in spring, developing into decorative red fruits. Resistant to diseases, easy to grow, and requiring little maintenance, it is perfect for brightening up a partially shaded border or forming a low composite hedge.

Physocarpus belongs to the extensive Rose family and includes ten species in East Asia and North America. P. opulifolius is native to the eastern United States, up to Quebec and Manitoba. This bush has a moderate to fast growth rate, and in its native habitat, it can reach a height of 3m (10ft). Numerous horticultural varieties, generally smaller and often with colourful foliage, have been produced.
'Raspberry Lemonade' is a creation by David Zslesak, who initiated a hybridisation program in St. Paul, Minnesota (United States). In June 2011, he conducted pollination experiments between varieties, resulting in seedlings, including the 'ZLEYel2' variety. Derived from a cross between the 'Donna May' variety, with a compact habit and purple foliage, and 'Dart's Gold', a popular variety with golden yellow foliage, this new variety was tested for several years to ensure its stability. It was then introduced to the market under 'Raspberry Lemonade'.

This compact bush will not exceed 1.20m (4ft) in height with an equivalent width. It has short internodes and dense branching, which holds well without the risk of "umbrella-like" opening. This Physocarpus has a bushy appearance, with numerous leaves forming lush foliage. The leaves are trilobed, moderately lobed, crenate, and measure from 3 to 6 cm (1 to 2in). They have a yellow-green to golden colour, with the leaves closer to the centre of the bush being slightly greener. In May-June, the bush is covered with corymbs approximately 5 cm (2in) in diameter, composed of pale pink flower buds, which open into tiny white flowers with single petals. Despite their small size, these flower clusters are highly decorative and cover a significant portion of the foliage. After fertilisation, the faded flowers produce small coral-red fruits, highlighted by the bright foliage and add appeal to the plant.

Easy to grow, virtually immune to diseases (particularly resistant to powdery mildew, the fungus that powders the leaves white), requiring minimal maintenance, apart from occasional watering during hot periods, this 'Raspberry Lemonade' Ninebark bush is an excellent choice for small gardens. It thrives in urban environments and is particularly useful for brightening partially shaded areas. Create a contrast by planting a purple bush like the Cotinus coggygria Winecraft Black next to it, a Smokebush with beautiful dark foliage that turns reddish-orange in autumn. The dark green foliage will also complement your Physocarpus, such as the Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana'. This low-growing Cherry Laurel has long, pointed leaves pleasantly contrasted by a generous white spring flowering. Along the edge of your border, plant ornamental perennials with decorative foliage at the base of your bushes, such as the Heuchera Beaujolais, with its pinkish-purple leaves.