Little Joker Ninebark

Little Joker Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Hoogi021')

Little Joker Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Hoogi021') is a compact deciduous shrub grown for its dramatic dark foliage and its naturally tidy, rounded habit that fits easily into smaller landscapes. The leaves emerge deep burgundy to near-black purple 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 flowers add a soft bloom moment against the dark leaves, followed by subtle seed heads that extend the seasonal interest. With its dense branching and manageable size, Little Joker Ninebark makes an excellent focal point where you want dark foliage impact without the larger footprint of traditional ninebark varieties.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the compact, dense form paired with rich purple foliage, giving you strong color and structure in a shrub that stays controlled. The dark leaves make nearby greens look richer and help lighter flowers and golden foliage companions stand out more clearly. Like other ninebarks, it develops exfoliating bark on older stems, adding winter texture when leaves drop. Little Joker is valued for toughness and adaptability, handling cold, heat, and a range of soils once established, making it a dependable, low-maintenance choice for everyday 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 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 Little Joker Ninebark?

• Compact Rounded Form: Dense habit delivers strong structure in smaller beds and foundation plantings.
• Dark Purple Foliage: Deep burgundy to near-black leaves provide bold contrast all season.
• Seasonal Flowers: Soft white 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: Brings dramatic color and tidy structure that anchors mixed borders and foundation beds.

If you want a compact shrub with dark purple foliage and a dense, tidy habit, Little Joker Ninebark adds focal point contrast and dependable structure to sunny and partially shaded landscapes.