Diablo Ninebark

Diabolo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo')

Diabolo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo') is a tough deciduous shrub grown for its dramatic, deep purple foliage and its strong, arching form that brings instant contrast to the landscape. The leaves emerge a rich burgundy to near-black purple and hold their color through the growing season, creating a bold backdrop for brighter plants and flowers. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small white to pale pink flowers stand out sharply against the dark leaves, followed by seed heads that add subtle interest later in the season. With its large size, rugged adaptability, and high-impact color, Diabolo Ninebark makes an excellent focal point in mixed shrub borders, screens, and foundation plantings where you want structure and serious contrast.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the near-black purple foliage, which reads as a strong design anchor and makes neighboring greens and golds look brighter by comparison. The shrub also develops exfoliating bark on older stems, adding winter texture when leaves drop. Diabolo is valued for toughness, handling cold, heat, and a wide range of soils once established, which makes it a dependable choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Its arching branches and multi-stem form also give it a natural, full look that works well as both a specimen and a background shrub.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best 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: Large, multi-stem deciduous shrub with arching branches.
• Mature Size: About 8 to 10 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a dramatic dark-leaved specimen where the foliage can anchor a bed and highlight lighter plants.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds strong contrast among gold foliage shrubs, evergreens, and flowering plants.
• Screening: Use as a bold, informal screen with multi-season interest and a full, arching habit.
• Foundation Planting: Works where space allows, providing structure and long-lasting color through the season.
• Back-of-Perennial Beds: Creates a dark backdrop that makes blooms and grasses stand out more clearly.

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 older stems at the base to refresh and maintain vigor.
• Color Management: Provide more sun for deeper foliage 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 a strong choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

Why Choose Diabolo Ninebark?

• Dark Purple Foliage: Deep burgundy to near-black leaves provide bold contrast all season.
• Seasonal Flowers: Soft white to pale pink blooms create a striking spring display against dark leaves.
• 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 dramatic color and strong structure that anchors mixed plantings and screens.

If you want a tough, large shrub that brings deep purple foliage and strong contrast with minimal fuss, Diabolo Ninebark adds focal point impact and dependable structure to sunny and partially shaded landscapes.