Lady in Red Ninebark

Lady in Red Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red')

Lady in Red Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red') is a hardy deciduous shrub grown for its bold red to burgundy foliage and its tough, landscape-ready performance. New growth often emerges with brighter red tones, then deepens into rich burgundy as the season progresses, giving the plant a strong, saturated color presence from spring through fall. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small white to soft pink flowers appear against the dark leaves, followed by subtle seed heads that extend the seasonal interest. With its upright, multi-stem habit and dramatic foliage, Lady in Red Ninebark makes an excellent focal point in mixed borders, foundation beds, and mass plantings where you want strong color and reliable structure.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the intense red-toned foliage, which creates a warm, confident contrast against deep green evergreens, silver perennials, and golden shrubs. Leaves can show a mix of tones, especially on new growth, adding depth rather than a flat single color. Like other ninebarks, it develops exfoliating bark on older stems, adding texture and winter interest when the shrub is bare. Lady in Red is valued for durability, adapting to a range of soils once established while maintaining a full habit that holds up well in everyday landscapes.

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 4 to 6 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a bold foliage specimen where red-burgundy leaves can anchor a bed and highlight lighter plants.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds strong color contrast among evergreens, gold foliage 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 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 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 Lady in Red Ninebark?

• Red to Burgundy Foliage: Saturated leaf color delivers strong contrast from spring through fall.
• Seasonal Flowers: Soft white to 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: Brings bold foliage color and sturdy structure that anchors mixed borders and foundation beds.

If you want a tough shrub that delivers rich red foliage and dependable structure with minimal fuss, Lady in Red Ninebark adds focal point contrast and season-long color to sunny and partially shaded landscapes.