Physocarpus opulifolius 'Minall2' ALL BLACK® ninebark
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-1,8m
usual width
1-1,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
less showy but noticeable
colour of flowers
blooming time
June
location
full to partial sun
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
tolerates (but does not demand) wet ground
USDA zone (lowest)
3 (down to -40°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Ninebark is a low-maintenance, deciduous shrub, available in several varieties offering several leaf colours and habits. In the new millennium there has been a number of new selections found as natural mutations or crossings which enriched the range of these popular plants.
Description of the plant:
Dark leaves on ornamental shrubs as well as perennials are sought after for the contrast they can create with nearby plants with leaves of lighter colours. In horticulture you may have heard of ‚dramatic foliage‘ or plants ‚offering a drama‘ which simply means that these plants play a significant role in splitting a uniform green landscape into sections which are then more attractive to look at. Like using commas in a long sentence… (my bad). ALL BLACK® ninebark is a fantastic ninebark variety offering perhaps the darkest foliage so far. It was bred by Patrick Pineau from the renowned French nursery Minier – Hortival Diffusion in 2008. Granted patents: PP29892 (USA – 2018), 46759 (Europe – 2017) a 5829 (Canada – 2019).ALL BLACK® ninebark is a showstopper. Its leaves are deep maroon, almost black, yet they show a brilliant tone of garnet red at the tips of the branches where new leaves emerge throughout the growing season. They are deciduous, 3-lobed, serrated at margins, and turn deep orange, golden yellow, and red in autumn. In late spring appear numerous small corymbs composed of pink, melliferous flowers that are soon followed by bright red fruit that lasts for several months.
In autumn the shrub shows another handsome feature which gave this plant its name ninebark: peeling bark on older stems. It looks especially attractive on a sunny winter day against a background of fresh snow. ALL BLACK® ninebark grows moderately, some 30-40 cm per year, forming a well-branched shrub (already at its bottom parts) that makes it a great choice for pots where the plant has to look beautiful top to toe. Ultimate size is between 1.5 and 2 meters tall and a little less wide. Thanks to compact habit and dense growth it is also used for informal hedges.
Ninebarks are so easy to grow. They take any soil, pH and location. The root system is so sturdy it can easily grow through heavy clay that will provide nutrients for a fantastic plant. Location in full sun will enhance the leaf colour. Pruning is not necessary as it branches well but you can cut it in any manner from late winter until early summer. Fully hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3), and suitable for outdoor pots.
Last update 27-09-2021
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