Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscaping

Botanic name

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward'

Pronounciation

fy-so-KAR-pus op-yoo-lih-FOH-lee-us

Mature height

4 to 6 ft.

Mature spread

4 to 6 ft.

Water usage

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Details

Water use: low

Flower color: white

Bloom time: May to June

Mature height: 4 to 6 ft.

Mature spread: 4 to 6 ft.

Colorado native: Yes

Native habitat: native species occurs from central to eastern US

Light requirements: sun

Cold hardiness: USDA zones 3-8

Elevation limit: hardy to 7,500 ft.

Summer wine ninebark is a medium-sized shrub with beautiful burgundy leaves. The branches grow in an upright, arching manner and have attractive, peeling bark on the thicker stems. In early summer, it produces clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers.

Summer wine ninebark is a tough, resilient shrub that is well-adapted to Colorado Springs landscapes. It is smaller than Diablo ninebark, stays more compact, and has redder leaves.

Performance

At the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, summer wine ninebark has been an excellent performer. Not only is the leaf color is eye-catching, but it has grown well in hot, full sun areas with minimal maintenance.

If the older branches are thinned out regularly, the plant retains a beautiful appearance. It could be used as a specimen plant, or also an effective background shrub for plants with white or pink flowers.