Tiny Wine Ninebark

Tiny Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMPOTW')

Tiny Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMPOTW') is a compact deciduous shrub grown for its deep wine-purple foliage and its dense, rounded habit that fits neatly into smaller landscapes. The leaves emerge rich burgundy and hold strong color through the growing season, creating a bold contrast plant for foundation beds and mixed borders. 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 seasonal interest. With its manageable size and saturated leaf color, Tiny Wine Ninebark makes an excellent focal point where you want dark foliage impact without a large shrub footprint.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the combination of dwarf size and consistently dark foliage, giving you dramatic contrast in a shrub that stays controlled and easy to place. The wine-toned leaves help nearby greens look richer and make bright flowers pop, especially whites, yellows, and warm pinks. Like other ninebarks, older stems develop exfoliating bark that adds winter texture after leaves drop. Tiny Wine is 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; deepest 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: Dwarf, 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 wine-purple 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 strong 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 Tiny Wine Ninebark?

• Wine Purple Foliage: Rich burgundy leaves provide bold contrast from spring through fall.
• Compact Habit: Dwarf size fits easily in smaller beds, foundation plantings, and mixed borders.
• Seasonal Flowers: Soft white to pink blooms add a light spring moment against dark foliage.
• Durable Shrub Performance: Handles cold, heat, and a range of soils once established.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Delivers saturated foliage color and tidy structure that anchors plantings.

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