Overview & Description

The Summer Wine® Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’ PP14,821) from Proven Winners is a compact, mounded shrub known for its striking, deeply cut wine-red foliage . This award-winning hybrid combines the fine texture and compact branching of ‘Nanus’ with the dark foliage of ‘Diabolo’®. In late spring to early summer, it produces dense clusters of small pinkish-white, button-like flowers that beautifully accent the leaves. The foliage color may green up slightly in intense heat. On mature branches, the bark exfoliates in strips to reveal reddish-brown inner layers, providing winter interest.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits a graceful, arching to mounded growth habit. It is a moderately fast-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 5 to 6 feet in both height and spread. It maintains its compact form better than the species.

Additional Notes

It blooms from late spring to early summer. Exceptionally hardy to Zone 3, it is adaptable, drought-tolerant, and thrives in full sun for best color, tolerating partial shade. It has good resistance to powdery mildew. An outstanding choice for borders, mass plantings, hedges, or as a colorful accent where dramatic, season-long foliage and multi-season interest are desired.