Physocarpus opulifolius Raspberry Lemonade™ ('ZLEYel2')

Pollinators: The delicate, clustered flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, providing important food sources during late spring and early summer.

Birds: While Raspberry Lemonade™ does not produce significant ornamental fruit, the dense foliage provides shelter for small birds, particularly during the winter months.

• Spring to Summer: Raspberry Lemonade™ comes alive in spring with its vibrant yellow to pink variegated foliage, which maintains its color throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, the shrub produces clusters of small white to soft pink flowers, adding contrast and a pop of color.
  
• Fall: As fall approaches, the foliage may take on deeper shades of yellow and red, providing additional seasonal interest.
  
  Winter: In winter, the plant enters dormancy, but the distinct, peeling bark and strong structure of the plant offer visual interest and texture, particularly in landscapes with snow.

Leaves: The foliage of Raspberry Lemonade™ is its most striking feature. The leaves are large, rounded, and variegated with shades of yellow, pink, and green. The vibrant mix of colors gives the shrub a lively and eye-catching appearance, especially in spring and early summer.

Fall Color: As temperatures cool, the leaves transition to deeper shades of yellow, red, or orange, adding seasonal color interest before they drop.

Texture: The leaves are smooth with slightly serrated edges, creating a soft texture that contrasts with the vibrant flowers.

• Flower Description: Raspberry Lemonade™ produces small, rounded clusters of flowers that are white to pale pink. These flowers create a delicate and beautiful contrast against the shrub’s bright, variegated leaves. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making this shrub a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
  
  
• Flower Longevity: The flowers bloom for several weeks, providing a lovely floral display during the growing season.
  
  

Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant Raspberry Lemonade™ is in early spring after the last frost or in fall before the first frost. This gives the plant ample time to establish its roots before the growing season or before the cold weather arrives.

Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.

Spacing: Space plants about 3–5 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.

• Pruning Time: Prune Raspberry Lemonade™ in early spring, just before the new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak stems and lightly trim the plant to maintain its shape.
  
• Pruning Tips: Since Raspberry Lemonade™ blooms on old wood, pruning should be minimal to avoid cutting off next year’s flowers. Light thinning can help improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
  
• Maintenance Pruning: If the shrub becomes too large or out of shape, prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact and tidy appearance.
  
  

• Watering: Raspberry Lemonade™ requires regular watering, especially during its first few years to establish strong roots. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy.
  
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Raspberry Lemonade™ is moderately drought-tolerant, but it will perform best with consistent moisture, particularly during the flowering period.
  
  
• Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
  
  

Raspberry Lemonade™ thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the brightest foliage and abundant flowers, plant it in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat and prevent the foliage from scorching.

• While Raspberry Lemonade™ does not produce edible fruit, the flowers can be cut for use in floral arrangements. For dried arrangements, cut flowers when they are fully developed but still fresh, and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place to dry.
  
  

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth begins. This will encourage healthy foliage growth and flower production. If the soil is poor or the plant seems to be struggling, an annual application of compost can also help.

Fertilizer Tip: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive foliage growth without benefiting flower production.

• Raspberry Lemonade™ is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plant to produce flowers. However, planting other pollinator-friendly plants nearby can improve the flower production and increase pollination.
  
  

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Hosta, Astilbe, or Heuchera to add complementary textures and colors.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other ornamental shrubs like Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum for a diverse, colorful border.
  
• Groundcovers: Consider low-growing groundcovers such as Liriope or Ajuga for added texture and contrast around the base of the shrub.