Little Devil Ninebark

Little Devil Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil')

Little Devil Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil') is a compact deciduous shrub grown for its dark purple foliage and its upright, space-saving habit that brings bold contrast to smaller landscapes. The leaves emerge deep burgundy to near-black purple and hold their color through the growing season, creating a strong backdrop for brighter perennials and lighter shrubs. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small white to pale pink flowers stand out against the dark foliage, followed by subtle seed heads that extend the interest. With its narrow form and dramatic color, Little Devil Ninebark makes an excellent focal point in foundation beds, mixed borders, and tight planting areas where you want the look of a dark-leaved ninebark without the size of larger varieties.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the combination of deep purple foliage and a naturally compact, upright habit, which keeps the plant looking tidy and intentional without constant pruning. The dark leaves create strong contrast that helps nearby greens look richer and makes bright flowers pop. Like other ninebarks, it develops exfoliating bark on older stems, adding winter texture when the shrub is bare. Little Devil is also valued for toughness and adaptability, handling cold, heat, and a range of soils once established, making it a dependable choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

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, upright multi-stem deciduous shrub.
• Mature Size: About 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a compact dark foliage anchor where purple leaves can ground a planting and highlight brighter companions.
• Foundation Planting: Fits neatly along buildings and walkways, providing season-long color in a tight footprint.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds strong contrast among gold foliage shrubs, evergreens, and flowering plants.
• Low Hedges: Use in repeating plantings for a bold, informal hedge with dark foliage color.
• 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 Little Devil Ninebark?

• Compact Upright Form: Delivers the ninebark look in a space-saving habit for smaller landscapes.
• 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 range of soils once established.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Brings dramatic color and tidy structure that anchors foundation beds and mixed borders.

If you want a compact shrub with deep purple foliage and dependable toughness, Little Devil Ninebark adds focal point contrast and season-long color to sunny and partially shaded landscapes.