Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo', commonly known as the Ninebark 'Diabolo', has a striking appearance characterized by its rich purple to nearly black foliage. Each leaf on this deciduous shrub is elegantly lobed, resembling the shape of a maple leaf, and creates a dense, full look. The leaves hold their dramatic color throughout the growing season, making it a standout in any garden setting. In late spring to early summer, the Ninebark 'Diabolo' is adorned with small, clustered flowers that are a creamy white to light pink color, providing a beautiful contrast against the dark foliage. Following the bloom period, the plant produces reddish-purple fruit that adds additional interest and can attract wildlife. The stems of the Ninebark 'Diabolo' are also notable for their exfoliating bark that peels away in strips to reveal layers of reddish to light brown underbark, creating a unique textural effect even in the winter months when the leaves have fallen. The overall form of the shrub is arching, with a natural, slightly irregular shape that contributes to its ornamental value.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Ninebark, Diabolo Ninebark, Purple Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark.
Common names
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Mindia'
ToxicityTo humans
The Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo') is generally not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many ornamental plants, it is not intended for ingestion, and consuming parts of this plant might cause mild stomach upset. There are no commonly reported severe symptoms of poisoning from ingestion of this plant by humans.
To pets
Ninebark is also not specifically listed as toxic to pets. This implies that if pets happen to ingest parts of the plant, it might not result in serious toxicity. Nevertheless, to be safe and to prevent possible gastro-intestinal upset, it's still advised to prevent pets from consuming the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Dark purple
Flower color
Pinkish white
Height
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Spread
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant features rich purple foliage, adding a striking color contrast in garden landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers a three-season interest with spring flowers, summer foliage, and autumn berries.
- Easy to Grow: Diabolo Ninebark is known for being low maintenance and easy to grow in a variety of soil conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-resistant which makes it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with less water availability.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: The plant has natural resistance to many common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Fast Growing: It has a rapid growth rate, which allows for quick establishment and landscape impact.
- Wildlife Attraction: Produces flowers and seeds that attract birds and beneficial insects to the garden.
- Architectural Structure: Can be used as a focal point or to create structured looks in landscape design due to its upright, arching branches.
- Pruning Tolerance: Responds well to pruning, and can be cut back to maintain size or to promote denser foliage.
- Hardiness: It is a hardy shrub, capable of withstanding cold winter temperatures down to USDA zone 2 or 3.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Privacy Screens: Ninebark 'Diabolo' can be planted in rows to create a natural privacy screen due to its dense foliage.
- Natural Bird Habitat: The dense branches and foliage of Ninebark 'Diabolo' provide excellent shelter for birds.
- Jewelry Making: Some artisans use the small, peeling strips of bark from the Ninebark 'Diabolo' for textural contrast in handmade jewelry.
- Garden Sculpture: Trained and pruned creatively, Ninebark 'Diabolo' can be shaped into living sculptures as a focal point in gardens.
- Fall Interest: Ninebark 'Diabolo' adds color to autumn landscapes with its attractive reddish-purple foliage.
- Winter Interest: The exfoliating bark of Ninebark 'Diabolo' provides visual interest in the winter garden when most other plants have lost their leaves.
- Photography: The unique foliage and bark texture make Ninebark 'Diabolo' a popular subject for botanical and landscape photographers.
- Educational Tool: Ninebark 'Diabolo' can be used to educate students and garden enthusiasts about different plant habits and pruning techniques.
- Craft Projects: Dried branches of Ninebark 'Diabolo' can be used in floral arrangements or as part of craft projects like wreaths or wall art.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not common, the foliage can sometimes be used as a decorative garnish for plating in upscale culinary presentations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ninebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ninebark is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery and Magic: The dark purple foliage of the Diabolo Ninebark resonates with a sense of the mysterious and the magical, often used in garden designs to create an atmosphere of enchantment.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Ninebark is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand life's challenges and adapt to different situations.
- Transformation: The plant's ability to shed its bark, revealing new layers underneath, can be seen as a metaphor for personal growth, change, and the continuous process of transformation.
WaterDiabolo Ninebark should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. After establishment, the plant is more drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering. It's best to provide a thorough soaking when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Aim to water the plant with about 1 to 1.5 gallons every week during active growth periods, adjusting as necessary for rainfall and local weather conditions. Overwatering should be avoided, as Ninebark prefers well-draining soil.
LightDiabolo Ninebark thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much shade can result in fewer flowers and a less vibrant leaf color. The ideal spot for this Ninebark would be an area where it's exposed to morning sunlight and receives some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureDiabolo Ninebark is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 100°F. However, the ideal temperature range for promoting growth and flowering is between 60°F and 85°F. It's important to protect the plant from extreme heat and frost to ensure its overall health and vitality.
PruningPruning Diabolo Ninebark encourages healthy growth, maintains its shape, and promotes more vibrant foliage and flowering. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune lightly each year to remove dead or damaged wood and to maintain the desired shape. Every few years, a more thorough pruning may be necessary to rejuvenate the plant by cutting it back to about 2 feet above ground level.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNinebark 'Diabolo' prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing loamy garden soil, peat moss, and a small amount of compost or aged manure will provide the rich, fertile conditions that ninebark thrives in, facilitating strong growth and vibrant foliage coloration.
RepottingNinebark 'Diabolo' being a large shrub, is not typically repotted as it is usually planted directly in the ground. If grown in a container, repotting may be done every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingNinebark 'Diabolo' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions. It thrives well in the variable outdoor humidity naturally found in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Ninebark 'Diabolo' in a large container with ample light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, water regularly.
Life cycleThe Ninebark 'Diabolo' starts its life as a seed, which under suitable environmental conditions germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows through a juvenile phase into a mature shrub, with deep purple leaves, often taking several years to reach full size. During spring and early summer, it produces small pinkish-white flowers that are attractive to pollinators and develop into distinctive red fruit, which are seed pods that can be used for propagation. After the flowering period, the plant focuses on vegetative growth, strengthening its woody stems and expanding its foliage canopy. As a perennial, Ninebark 'Diabolo' enters a period of dormancy in the winter, shedding leaves in colder climates to conserve energy. Over many years, the shrub may become woody and less vigorous, at which point it can be rejuvenated by pruning to stimulate new growth from the base.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Ninebark 'Diabolo', known scientifically as Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo', is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is quite popular and is best done in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible but mature enough to take a cutting. Gardeners will usually select a healthy stem and cut a piece around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, just below a leaf node. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have established, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Ninebark plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being planted into their permanent location.
