Physocarpus opulifolius Alouette ('Couriphy01') PP28793*

Pollinators: The soft pinkish-white flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. The shrub provides an important food source in late spring to early summer.

Birds: While Alouette does not produce significant ornamental fruit, the dense foliage provides shelter for small birds, particularly in winter.

• Spring to Summer: Alouette begins its season with fresh, variegated green and white foliage. The variegated leaves maintain their vibrancy throughout the spring and summer, and in late spring to early summer, the shrub produces clusters of delicate flowers.
  
  
• Fall: In the fall, the foliage gradually transitions to a softer green with hints of yellow or orange, adding a subtle autumnal display before the leaves drop.
  
  
• Winter: In winter, the plant enters dormancy, but its distinctive, peeling bark remains a key feature, providing visual interest even when leafless.
  
  

Leaves: The foliage of Alouette is a standout feature, with its variegated green and white leaves. The leaves are oval and slightly serrated, creating a soft texture. The variegation provides a bright, light contrast against the plant's flowers and branches.

Fall Foliage: As the weather cools in fall, the foliage changes to a more muted green, sometimes with hints of yellow or orange. This adds seasonal color interest before the leaves drop.

Texture: The leaves have a slightly glossy texture, adding an elegant sheen to the plant.

Flower Description: Alouette produces small, rounded clusters of soft pinkish-white flowers. The flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers create a beautiful contrast against the shrub's variegated foliage and add additional visual interest during the warmer months.

Flower Longevity: The flowers bloom for a few weeks, providing a stunning and fragrant display in the garden.

• Best Time to Plant: The best times to plant Alouette are early spring after the danger of frost has passed or in fall before the first frost. These seasons provide ideal planting conditions for root establishment.
  
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
  
  
• Spacing: Space plants about 3–4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
  
  

• Pruning Time: Prune Alouette in early spring before the new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak stems. Light pruning after flowering can help maintain the plant’s shape.
  
  
• Pruning Tips: While Alouette is relatively low-maintenance, regular pruning will encourage healthy growth and maintain a compact form. Since this shrub blooms on old wood, be cautious with pruning to avoid cutting off next season’s flowers.
  
  

Watering: Alouette requires regular watering during its first few years to establish strong roots. Water deeply once a week during dry periods, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Drought Tolerance: Once established, Alouette is somewhat drought-tolerant but thrives with consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry spells.

Watering Tip: Always water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal diseases.

Light: Alouette prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives with at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but in hotter climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent the foliage from scorching.

Optimal Exposure: In areas with intense summer heat, afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive sun exposure, preserving its vibrant foliage.

Alouette does not produce fruit for harvesting, but its delicate flowers can be used in fresh floral arrangements. For dried arrangements, cut flowers when they are fully open but still fresh and hang them upside down in a cool, dry space to dry naturally.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Use a fertilizer that is designed for flowering shrubs to ensure the plant receives the necessary nutrients.

Fertilizer Tip: Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering.

• Alouette is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plant to produce flowers or berries. However, planting multiple Alouette shrubs or other pollinator-friendly plants nearby can help increase flower production and attract more pollinators.
  
  

• Perennials: Pair Alouette with perennials like Astilbe, Heuchera, or Hosta to create contrast in texture and color.
  
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other ornamental shrubs like Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum to create a diverse, colorful border.
  
  
• Groundcovers: Use low-growing groundcovers such as Liriope or Ajuga to provide a contrasting backdrop to Alouette's striking foliage.