Coppertina Ninebark

Coppertina Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Coppertina')

Coppertina Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Coppertina') is a hardy deciduous shrub grown for its rich coppery foliage and its durable, landscape-ready performance. New growth emerges with warm orange to copper tones, then deepens into a burgundy to purplish bronze as the season progresses, giving the plant a layered, glowing look from spring through fall. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small white to soft pink flowers pop against the darker leaves, adding a gentle bloom moment before subtle seed heads carry the interest forward. With its upright, arching habit and high-impact foliage color, Coppertina Ninebark makes an excellent focal point in mixed shrub borders, foundation beds, and mass plantings where you want strong contrast and dependable structure.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the copper to burgundy foliage, which reads warm and sophisticated and pairs well with golden shrubs, deep green evergreens, and silver-leaved perennials. Leaves often show multiple tones at once, especially on new growth, creating depth that looks natural rather than flat. Like other ninebarks, mature stems develop exfoliating bark that adds winter texture after the leaves drop. Coppertina is valued for toughness and adaptability, handling a wide range of soils once established while still delivering a bold color statement that lasts all season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; strongest foliage color and densest growth typically develop with more sun.
• Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types once established.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then as needed during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7.
• Habit: Upright, multi-stem deciduous shrub with arching branches.
• Mature Size: About 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a bold foliage specimen where copper and burgundy tones can anchor a mixed planting.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds strong color contrast among evergreens, gold-leaved shrubs, and flowering plants.
• Foundation Planting: Provides season-long foliage color and an upright form that looks finished through the growing season.
• Mass Planting: Plant in groups for a larger sweep of warm, dark foliage color and a cohesive landscape look.
• Back-of-Perennial Beds: Creates a rich backdrop for pinks, whites, and blue flowering perennials.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water consistently the first growing season; after that, water during prolonged drought.
• Pruning: Prune after flowering or in late winter to shape; remove a few older stems at the base to refresh the plant.
• Color Management: Provide more sun for stronger leaf color and tighter growth.
• Fertilizing: Usually not needed; feed lightly in spring if growth is weak.
• Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch off the base of stems.
• Hardiness: Tough and adaptable once established, making it well-suited for low-maintenance landscapes.

Why Choose Coppertina Ninebark?

• Copper to Burgundy Foliage: Warm new growth matures into rich tones that hold color through the season.
• Seasonal Flowers: Soft clusters of white to pink blooms stand out against darker leaves in late spring.
• Durable Shrub Performance: Handles cold, heat, and a wide range of soils once established.
• Textural Winter Bark: Exfoliating stems add extra landscape character after leaves drop.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Delivers bold, long-lasting foliage color with sturdy, landscape-ready structure.

If you want a tough shrub that brings warm copper foliage and rich seasonal contrast with minimal fuss, Coppertina Ninebark adds focal point impact and dependable performance to sunny and partially shaded landscapes.