Ninebark Diablo
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diablo'
This native North American shrub offers three seasons of interest with its deep purple foliage, clusters of white flowers in spring, and colorful seed pods in fall. Diablo ninebark is incredibly tough and adaptable, thriving in conditions where other shrubs struggle while providing habitat for beneficial insects and birds. The dramatic dark foliage creates stunning contrast with lighter plants and the peeling bark adds winter interest.
Harvest
Not applicabled
Days to harvest
Sun
Small Water Features Mountain Ridge Top Garden - North Woods
Zones
2–8
USDA hardiness
Height
5-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Ninebark Diablo in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Ninebark Diablo · Zones 2–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Small Water Features Mountain Ridge Top Garden - North Woods. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Water: 'Amber Jubilee', 'Aurea', 'Burgundy Candy", 'Caramel Candy', 'Center Glow', 'Coppertina', 'Dart's Gold', 'Diablo', 'Lady in Red', Lemon Candy™ 'Podarus 3', 'Luteus', 'Monlo' = 'Diablo' = 'Purple Ninebark', 'Nanus', 'Nugget', 'Snowfall', 'Summer Wine', var. intermedius, var. nana. Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Root Cutting, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Drooping clusters (seed capsules), round in shape display from July to September.
Color: Red/Burgundy. Type: Capsule.
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Central and eastern North America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought
- +Attracts: Heat, drought, and soil compaction tolerant.
- +Wildlife value: Attracts birds and bees
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Coral Bells
Similar soil and light requirements, provides contrasting foliage texture and seasonal interest
Astilbe
Thrives in partial shade created by ninebark, adds complementary flowering periods
Hosta
Benefits from dappled shade of ninebark, provides contrasting leaf shape and texture
Ferns
Enjoys the cool, moist microclimate created by ninebark's canopy
Spirea
Similar growing conditions and maintenance needs, creates layered shrub plantings
Hydrangea
Compatible moisture and soil requirements, provides sequential blooming periods
Japanese Painted Fern
Thrives in partial shade, silver foliage complements dark purple ninebark leaves
Serviceberry
Native companion with similar habitat preferences, attracts beneficial wildlife
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can stunt growth and cause leaf yellowing in ninebark
Butterfly Bush
Competes aggressively for water and nutrients, may overtake slower-growing ninebark
Tree of Heaven
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of nearby native plants including ninebark
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy native
Common Pests
Very few pest problems, excellent pest resistance
Diseases
Highly resistant, occasional leaf spot in humid conditions