Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine - Proven Winners - Ninebark

The Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine Proven Winners is a variety of Physocarpus with Obier leaf that is similar to the famous cultivar 'Diabolo' in its aesthetic qualities, but in smaller dimensions. It forms a small and compact bush of 1m in all directions at 10 years old. Its shiny foliage is a purple bronze colour. It barely turns green in summer, during its abundant flowering, with delicate clusters of pinkish white flowers, followed by attractive red fruiting. Beautiful in borders, it can also be planted in a large pot to decorate the terrace or balcony.

The Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine belongs to the Rosaceae family, its ancestor is native to the eastern United States, and is found as far as Quebec and Manitoba. The growth of this bush is medium to slow and its adult size (at 10 years old) will not exceed 1m in height and width. Eventually, it can reach a height of 1.2 to 1.5m. Its foliage is deciduous, it falls in autumn. This very hardy species grows in any loose garden soil that is not too dry.
It is a highly branched bush, with a dense habit, initially upright and then rounding with age. It is very ornamental with its leaves that emerge dark in colour, purple with bronze reflections, slightly tinted with dark green in summer. The leaves are entire, lobed, deeply cut, crenate, and measure from 3 to 8cm long. The flowering occurs in May-June. They are flat-topped corymbs, clusters of small pale pink buds that open into small nectariferous flowers, highly visited by bees. They are followed by small red fruits appreciated by birds in autumn.

Physocarpus Tiny Wine is ideal for small as well as large gardens. Whether in borders, flower beds, or as part of a low hedge, this bush harmonises perfectly with shrubs with golden or green foliage, creating beautiful contrasts. It pairs well with shrubs with pink blooms, such as roses and deutzias, or with blue blooms. Additionally, Physocarpus Tiny Wine forms charming combinations with different varieties of spireas, as well as with viburnums like Viburnum bodnantense. Pairing it with the dwarf winged euonymus, Euonymus alatus 'Compactus', or with a Neillia affinis, adds an extra dimension to your plant compositions, both benefiting from the brilliance of its foliage to stand out. At its base, lighter-coloured heucheras, such as 'Berry Smoothie', create another interesting contrast. Finally, Physocarpus Tiny Wine also finds its place in containers on terraces or balconies, bringing a touch of nature and colour, even in small spaces.

The name Physocarpus opulifolia comes from the Greek 'phusa' which means air bubble or vesicle, and 'karpos' which refers to the fruit, in reference to the shape of the fruit. The resemblance of its foliage to that of the Obier viburnum earned it the specific name "opulifolius". Introduced to Europe around 1687, the numerous colourful cultivars that have been created in recent years have allowed it to make a strong comeback in gardens.