Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine - Ninebark

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Tiny Wine' is a variety of Physocarpus, also known as Ninebark, that is attractive both for its foliage and its flowering. Its beautiful toothed leaves have a dark purple colour that catches the eye and perfectly highlights the clusters of white-pink flowers that bloom in spring. This small shrub is so compact that it can be easily grown in a pot on a terrace. When incorporated into a diverse flowerbed, it also creates strong colour contrasts. An easy-to-grow plant, ideal for small gardens.

Physocarpus is one of the members of the large Rosaceae family (about 5000 species) which includes many decorative genera, such as Photinias, Flowering Cherry and Apple trees, and of course, roses (Rosa, hence the name of the family). Physocarpus consists of about a dozen species, the most common in our gardens being P. opulifolius, commonly known as Ninebark. The botanical species is native to the eastern United States, from Quebec to Virginia. Mature specimens have a brownish-brown bark that peels off and becomes decorative in winter when it is no longer hidden by the abundant foliage.
There are many cultivars of Physocarpus opulifolius, often with colourful foliage, including shades of purple. The Physocarpus 'Tiny Wine' is the result of the selection work carried out by Timothy D. Wood from Spring Meadow Nursery in Michigan, USA. Similar to the well-known variety 'Diabolo', 'Tiny Wine' stands out for its more compact habit, forming at maturity an erect clump of only 1.20 m in height and 1 m in width. The shrub forms a dense network of slender, upright stems, whose mahogany brown tips harmonise perfectly with the bronze-purple colour of the foliage. The small trilobed leaves measure from 3 to 8 cm and are toothed, with well-marked veins and a slightly glossy surface that is very attractive. This dark vegetation forms a perfect setting to showcase the spring flowering. In May and June, flat corymbs of small white-pink flowers bloom. Nectar-rich, the flowers attract pollinators such as bees, adding an extra dimension to the interest of this shrub. They then develop into small red fruits in autumn, which are appreciated by birds. The foliage retains its dark colour throughout the growing season, before turning to red or reddish-brown in autumn, and then falling to the ground.

This graceful 'Tiny Wine' Ninebark will find its place in multiple situations, whether in a low mixed hedge, as a decorative pot, or at the front of a shrub border. Take advantage of its distinctive colour to create lively scenes by combining it with other colourful foliage. Dare to go for the classic, yet always effective combination with golden shrubs, such as Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Lady'. Another wise choice would be the Euonymus japonicus 'White Spire', which allows you to enjoy not only a contrast of colours but also a contrast of shapes. This small Spindle Tree has a distinctly vertical silhouette and is adorned with green foliage heavily edged in white, which is particularly bright. As this shrub is evergreen, you will also enjoy it throughout the winter. Another variegated shrub that would be interesting, this time in the background, as it exceeds 2 m in height, is the Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum' with its beautiful green foliage edged in creamy yellow. This evergreen shrub also offers winter flowering, followed by decorative black fruits.