Plant Encyclopedia

Diablo Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

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Diablo Ninebark, shrub with deep rich purple flowers

Discover More Information On Diablo Ninebark

If your yard is missing a bit of color and texture, then it is time to add the Diablo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo‘) to your landscape. This knockout plant is easy to grow and provides interest throughout the four seasons. You will love the textured bark, deep purplish-red leaves, and eye-catching flowers. This is one ninebark that makes a stunning impression throughout your outdoor spaces.

Plant Attributes

This specific shrub is actually called the Diabolo ninebark. However, it has taken on the name of “Diablo” over the past few years. This deciduous shrub is native to North America and Diablo is a cultivar of the species. In its natural environment, the Diablo ninebark is found along a rocky river bank or in a wooded area. Wherever it thrives, the ninebark’s burgundy leaves stand out.

Like most ninebarks, the Diablo’s branches peel back to expose a reddish-brown layer. With the exfoliating bark, the ninebark provides an ornamental look to any space. You want to add this shrub to your landscape for the winter months. The reddish-brown bark gives some winter interest during those drab seasons.

This Diablo ninebark is prized for its four seasons of interest. During the springtime, the white button blooms start to cluster on the branches. These five-petaled flowers are sure to brighten up your yard after the long winter. The creamy white blooms are the perfect contrast against the deep red leaves. You might have other admirers in your yard with these shrubs. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies will flutter around the flat blooms. The flatter leaves give these creatures an easier landing spot to sip on the nectar. Once the blooming season is over, you will notice red ornamental capsules at the tips of the branches. These tiny fruits add some charm to your yard during those autumn months.

In the summer, the Diablo ninebark continues to enchant with its burgundy leaves. During the hot weather, the purple foliage can “green up” in your yard. The lobed leaves develop into an elegant deep purple color by fall.

Landscape Use

If you need to make a colorful addition to your space, you cannot go wrong with the Diablo ninebark. These shrubs can reach a mature height and width of 8 to 10 feet. They are perfect for a hedge or mass planting. You can use them along your property to block out those undesirable views or give you more privacy in your yard.

For a perennial bed, you can use the Diablo ninebark to line the back of your space. When used as a backdrop with colorful flowers, these ninebarks bring some dramatic appeal to your landscape. Along with its landscape appeal, the Diablo ninebark is the perfect choice as a container plant. You can put it on a patio to give your space more interest and color.

From an accent piece to the main focal point, these Diablo ninebarks are versatile. With the bold foliage, delicate blooms, and textured branches, this is one shrub that will be the talk of the town.

Planting & Care

The Diablo ninebark is easy to grow, but it does have a few requirements. It can excel in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7. These ninebarks need plenty of space to grow. If you are looking for the best results, make sure to give them plenty of air circulation. They can grow in those areas with partial shade, but these shrubs prefer spots in the full sun.

This fast-growing shrub can tolerate a wide range of soils. However, the Diablo does prefer to be planted in slightly acidic soil. If you live in an area with water that has a high pH, you might want to maintain your soil with fertilizer. You can feed these ninebarks in the late winter, spring, or early summer.

These shrubs can tolerate wet areas, but you should plant them in places with good drainage. The Diablo ninebark is known for its rich color. If you want to maintain that color, it needs regular watering. It can tolerate moderate droughts, but you need to increase the water during extreme heat.

Additional Information

Interested in

Diablo Ninebark

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With the Diablo ninebark, you can marvel at its four seasons of interest. This hardy shrub will dazzle you with its delicate white flowers, deep rich colors, and textured bark. If you would like to learn more about this spectacular shrub, please fill out the contact form. The team at Arbor Valley Nursery will be happy to answer your questions about this stunning ninebark variety.

Plant Features

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Watering Needs: Water regularly – weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
  • Botanical Pronunciation: fy-so-KAR-pus op-yoo-lih-FOH-lee-us
  • Deciduous/evergreen: Deciduous
  • Growth rate: Moderate
  • Average landscape size: Moderate growing; reaches 8 to 10 ft. tall and wide.
  • Special features: Attractive Bark, Bird Friendly, Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, North American Native Selection, Waterwise
  • Foliage color: Purple
  • Blooms: Late spring/early summer
  • Flower color: White
  • Flower attributes: Showy Flowers
  • Garden style: Cottage, Rustic
  • Design Ideas: Its great fall color and unique winter bark display make it a good background plant for beds and borders. It’s a natural as a single specimen for sunny spots of woodland or wild gardens. An excellent choice for all native and wildlife gardens where seasonal changes and habitat are crucial.
  • Companion Plants: Fountain Grass (Pennisetum); Spirea (Spiraea); Boxwood (Buxus); Blue Spruce (Picea); Weigela (Weigela)
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