Most ninebarks are "go-to" shrubs for tough growing conditions and Diabolo is one of them. Handles most any growing conditions quite well. Blooms are actually fairly showy, with nice circular clusters of tiny white blooms that contrast beautifully with the dark foliage. When done blooming the flowers turn red providing continued interest. In my experience Diablolo grows significantly more tall than wide. I was told to expect 8' by 8' but the width has struggled to get much beyond 4-5'. I have not noticed color changing/fading of the leaves. This is an excellent choice for a dependable background shrub in most any growing condition-- especially the tough ones.
The foliage is beautiful! However, I was hoping for pink flowers, based on the description on the label, but the flowers are actually a not-so-pleasing white. Is flower color purely genetic, or is there a soil additive that would turn the flowers pink?
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) Coppertina™ is an attractive flowering shrub, native to eastern North America. Pinkish-white late spring blooms contrast dramatically with the copper foliage, which turns bright red in the fall. Coppertina is a cross between P. opulifolius ‘Darts Gold’ and P. opulifolius ‘Monlo.’ P. opulifolius has special value to native and honey bees.
According to NPIN, Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark) has special value to native and honey bees, and attracts birds with its fruit pods.
This plant gives 4-season beauty for me.
Native in the Pacific NW, Alaska to California, east to Alberta and Idaho. The common name refers to its nine layers of bark. May be used medicinally as a laxative or purgative.
Nugget is one of those ninebarks to be used in tough growing conditions-- seems to handle any soil or water conditions. In half-way decent conditions is a very vigorous grower, quickly getting 6' x 6'. Better leave room for it because after pruning will quickly grow back.
