Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red'

Bees, butterflies, and pollinators visit its spring flowers.

Birds are attracted to its small red seed capsules in fall.

Provides excellent nesting cover for small wildlife due to its dense branching.

Spring: Bright red new foliage and profuse clusters of flowers.

Summer: Deep burgundy to wine-red foliage maintains strong color.

Fall: Leaves deepen to bronze-red; small red seed capsules appear.

Winter: Attractive exfoliating bark provides texture and color.

– Foundation plantings, mixed borders, hedges, mass plantings, accent shrub, and erosion control

Deciduous, lobed leaves emerge bright ruby-red in spring, maturing to deep wine-red in summer, and turning bronze-red in fall.

Foliage provides exceptional color contrast against green or golden-leaved plants.

Bark peels in attractive layers on mature stems, adding winter interest.

Small pinkish-white flowers form in dense, rounded clusters in late spring to early summer.

Flowers contrast beautifully with the red foliage and are mildly fragrant.

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Loosen the surrounding soil and mix in organic matter or compost to encourage strong root development.

Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill gently, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.

Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch a few inches from the crown.

Space plants 4–6 feet apart for hedging or natural groupings.

Prune after flowering (mid-summer) to maintain size and shape.

Remove up to one-third of older stems every 2–3 years to encourage new, vibrant growth.

Avoid pruning in early spring, as you may remove developing flower buds.

Can be cut back hard every few years to rejuvenate if it becomes overgrown.

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

Once established, moderately drought tolerant but prefers occasional deep watering in dry periods.

Avoid overwatering—Ninebark thrives in moist but well-drained soil.

Thrives in full sun to light shade.

Full sun enhances foliage color, creating richer red tones, while partial shade may yield softer hues.

Produces small, red seed capsules in late summer to fall following flowering.

Fruits are ornamental only and not edible.

Dried seed capsules add interest to winter arrangements.

Birds may feed on the seed clusters in late fall.

Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10).

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of flower and color intensity.

Mulching with compost annually helps maintain soil health.

Produces small, nectar-rich white-pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Self-fertile; no cross-pollination required for fruit set.

Shrubs: Spiraea japonica, Hydrangea paniculata, Weigela, or Berberis for color contrast.

Perennials: Rudbeckia, Echinacea, Nepeta, or Coreopsis for complementary summer blooms.

Evergreens: Juniperus or Buxus for structure and texture.

Works beautifully in mixed borders, modern landscapes, and naturalized plantings.