Overview & Description

The Dart’s Gold Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Dart’s Gold’) is a vibrant, compact deciduous shrub prized for its striking golden foliage that provides three seasons of interest. Its large, maple-like leaves emerge bright golden yellow in spring, mature to chartreuse or lime green by mid-summer, and finally take on a yellow hue with a bronze tint in autumn. In late spring to early summer, it produces dense, flat clusters of small white flowers often tinged with pink. These are followed by small, reddish, bladder-like fruit that contrast nicely with the foliage. On mature branches, the bark peels in strips to reveal layers of reddish to light brown inner bark, providing good winter interest.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits a compact, mounded, and rounded growth habit. It is a moderately fast-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 4 to 5 feet in both height and spread.

Additional Notes

It blooms in late spring to early summer. Exceptionally cold-hardy to Zone 3 and low-maintenance, it is adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils, tolerates drought, erosion, and clay soils, and thrives in full sun for best foliage colour. An outstanding choice for shrub borders, mass plantings, hedges, screens, or as a colourful focal point where vibrant, season-long foliage, delicate blooms, and winter interest are desired.