One of my favorite native shrubs is Ninebark ‘Summer Wine’ (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward)’. It has all the characteristics I long for in a plant--drought tolerance once established, beautiful flowers and stunning foliage.
Ninebark Summer Wine is a hybrid of Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nana' and P. O. Diabolo. The baby was blessed with the best traits of its parents—a dense, compact habit and wine-colored leaves. According to my artist friend Marty, the leaves are the color of Merlot wine. To my untrained eye, they look like a purplish chocolate.
This delightful deciduous shrub celebrates late May and early June with clusters of small pinkish-white flowers, which contrast beautifully with the dark foliage. Summer Wine grows to just 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, so it’s a good choice for mixed borders and foundation plantings. As an added bonus, it fruits in the fall.
As if stunning foliage, beautiful flowers and fall fruit were not enough, Summer Wine provides even more fascination when the bark on older plants peels into interesting papery strips.
Like most natives, Ninebark is easy to grow. It’s hardy to zone 2 and is happy in average soil and full sun to part shade. Feel free to prune immediately after flowering to maintain the shape and height that looks best in your garden, but never prune after mid-August—that’s when flower buds form for next year. And save those foliage cuttings for flower arrangements!
If you fall in love with Summer Wine like I did, you’ll have to buy it. Although Ninebark can be propagated by cuttings, ‘Summer Wine’ propagation is prohibited by law--even for personal use.
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
July 12, 2008
Trees
Alan Jensen Seller, from The Care of Trees, will teach you about the trees on your property. Cost: $10
August 9, 2008
Hypertufa
Learn the basics of making your own garden trough in this popular hands-on workshop. Details will be sent upon registration. Limited to 15 participants. Cost: $15 (includes materials)
The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School
A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save.
For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website for a registration form.
