Ginger Wine Ninebark

Ginger Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMNPOBLR')

Ginger Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMNPOBLR') is a hardy deciduous shrub grown for its deep, wine-colored foliage and its compact, landscape-friendly size compared with larger dark-leaved ninebarks. The leaves emerge in rich burgundy tones and hold that saturated color through the growing season, creating strong contrast and a polished look in mixed plantings. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small white to soft pink flowers stand out against the dark foliage, followed by subtle seed heads that extend the interest. With its bold color and manageable habit, Ginger Wine Ninebark makes an excellent focal point in foundation beds, mixed shrub borders, and mass plantings where you want dramatic foliage without an oversized shrub.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the dark, wine-toned foliage paired with a denser, more compact form, which makes it easier to use in tighter landscapes while still delivering strong visual impact. The shrub also develops exfoliating bark on older stems, adding winter texture when leaves drop. Ginger Wine is valued for toughness, handling cold, heat, and a range of soils once established, while maintaining a clean, full habit. The dark leaves also act like a backdrop plant, making lighter flowers and bright foliage companions look sharper and more intentional.

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: Compact, multi-stem deciduous shrub with a rounded to slightly arching form.
• Mature Size: About 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a dark foliage anchor where wine-colored leaves can ground a planting and highlight brighter companions.
• Foundation Planting: Provides season-long color and a compact form that fits well under windows and along walks.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds strong contrast among gold foliage shrubs, evergreens, and flowering plants.
• Mass Planting: Plant in groups for a repeating band of dark color and a cohesive landscape look.
• Back-of-Perennial Beds: Creates a rich 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 a few older stems at the base to refresh the plant.
• 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 well-suited for low-maintenance landscapes.

Why Choose Ginger Wine Ninebark?

• Deep Wine Foliage: Rich burgundy leaves provide dramatic contrast from spring through fall.
• Compact Size: Smaller habit delivers dark color impact without an oversized shrub.
• Seasonal Flowers: Soft white to pink blooms create a striking spring display against dark leaves.
• Durable Shrub Performance: Handles cold, heat, and a range of soils once established.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Brings bold color and tidy structure that anchors mixed plantings and foundation beds.

If you want a compact shrub with rich, dark foliage and dependable toughness, Ginger Wine Ninebark adds focal point contrast and season-long color to sunny and partially shaded landscapes.