Petite Plum Ninebark

Petite Plum Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'POIPD2')

Petite Plum Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'POIPD2') is a compact deciduous shrub grown for its rich plum to burgundy foliage and its dense, space-saving habit that fits neatly into smaller landscapes. The leaves emerge in deep reddish purple tones and hold strong color through the growing season, creating an easy contrast plant for foundation beds and mixed borders. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small white to soft pink flowers add a gentle bloom moment against the dark foliage, followed by subtle seed heads that extend the seasonal interest. With its tidy size and saturated leaf color, Petite Plum Ninebark makes an excellent focal point where you want dark foliage impact without a large shrub footprint.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the compact, rounded form paired with plum-colored foliage, giving you strong color and structure in a shrub that stays controlled. The dark leaves help brighter perennials and lighter shrubs stand out, and the dense branching keeps the plant looking full from the base up. Like other ninebarks, it develops exfoliating bark on older stems, adding winter texture when the shrub is bare. Petite Plum is also valued for toughness and adaptability, handling cold, heat, and a wide range of soils once established, which makes 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, dense, rounded multi-stem deciduous shrub.
• Mature Size: About 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a compact dark foliage anchor where plum leaves can ground a planting and highlight brighter companions.
• Foundation Planting: Fits neatly under windows and along walkways, providing season-long color in a manageable size.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds contrast among gold foliage shrubs, evergreens, and flowering plants.
• Mass Planting: Plant in groups for a repeating band of dark foliage 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 Petite Plum Ninebark?

• Plum Colored Foliage: Deep reddish purple leaves provide bold contrast from spring through fall.
• Compact Rounded Habit: Dense form delivers strong structure in smaller beds and foundation plantings.
• Seasonal Flowers: Soft white to pink blooms add a light spring moment against dark foliage.
• Durable Shrub Performance: Handles cold, heat, and a wide range of soils once established.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Brings saturated foliage color and tidy structure that anchors mixed borders and foundation beds.

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