Physocarpus opulifolius Zdechovice - Ninebark

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Zdechovice' is a variety of Physocarpus that forms a medium-sized bush with a balanced habit, featuring particularly ornamental foliage from spring to autumn. Its leaves emerge in shades of orange-red before turning to a purple mixed with changing tones depending on the season. In late spring, its flowering in pinkish-white corymbs is beautifully highlighted by the foliage. In autumn, the bush is adorned with small red fruits grouped in decorative clusters.

The Physocarpus belongs to the large family of Rosaceae. The wild species, Physocarpus opulifolius, is a deciduous plant that grows naturally in the eastern United States, from Quebec to Virginia. It is an arching bush that usually reaches a height of 1.50m to 3m. In winter, mature specimens have a brownish-brown bark that peels off, adding another ornamental feature to this species.
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Zdechovice' is a horticultural variety that grows relatively large, reaching approximately 2m in all directions. It has a fairly regular habit, naturally taking on a spherical shape, with dense and abundant vegetation. A multitude of fairly thin, stiff, and erect branches form a dense vegetal volume, the ball-like silhouette of which can be further refined by the action of shearing. The bush has pretty trilobed leaves, with a doubly dentate outline, well-marked veins, and a slightly glossy surface. The young leaves emerge in a harmony of yellow and orange with a touch of red, on reddish stems. They then gradually turn to a more or less purplish red that coexists with the predominantly orange young shoots. When autumn arrives, the foliage turns to a purplish-brown before falling.
This vegetal chameleon also offers a pleasant flowering that blooms in June and July in the form of corymbs measuring 5 to 8cm in diameter. Made up of small pinkish-white flowers, these clusters are well highlighted by the vegetation, creating a visually striking contrast. Although not fragrant, the flowers are visited by bees. From September, small bright red fruits form like small 5-branch stars clustered at the end of the stems. Small but numerous, these fruits have a real ornamental interest in autumn.

The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Zdechovice' is perfect for brightening up a varied shrub bed. It can also be planted in a free hedge. The Choisya 'Goldfinger', with its highly architectural palmate leaves of golden yellow, will be a good companion. It will also reward you with a highly fragrant white flowering in spring. The Photinia fraseri 'Pink Marble' has glossy evergreen foliage, dark green variegated with cream white, which is enhanced in spring by a beautiful pink veil. Another interesting variegated shrub that will go well with the Physocarpus is the Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum'. This Laurustinus is recognised for its leaves of a beautiful green with cream yellow margins. Add some shrubs with abundant flowering to complete your hedge, such as the Spiraea billardii with its large spikes of deep pink in summer, or the Amelanchier alnifolia 'Martin', a generous plant that will offer you a magnificent white spring flowering, followed by decorative and tasty fruits and beautiful autumn colours.