Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark

Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'ZLEYel2')

Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'ZLEYel2') is a compact deciduous shrub grown for its fine-textured, bright chartreuse foliage and its dense, mounding habit that fits neatly into smaller landscapes. In spring, the foliage emerges a clear chartreuse and quickly fills in, creating a lush, light-toned backdrop that brightens beds, small yards, and urban gardens. In summer, abundant white flower clusters stand out cleanly against the foliage, adding a crisp bloom moment without overpowering the plant's leaf color. After flowering, ornamental coral-red fruits develop and provide a standout late-season display. With its tidy size, multi-season interest, and low pruning needs, Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark makes an excellent focal point for smaller spaces where you want bright color and structure that stays controlled.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the combination of bright chartreuse foliage and coral-red fruit, delivering a seasonal progression that keeps the plant visually interesting well beyond bloom. The leaves are fine-textured for a softer, more refined look compared with many ninebarks, helping it blend smoothly with perennials and smaller shrubs. White summer flowers provide a clean contrast and support a fresh, garden-bright palette, while the coral-red fruits add an extra color layer later in the season. Like other ninebarks, it can also develop exfoliating bark on older stems, adding texture after leaves drop.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; brightest foliage color and best flowering 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, mounding 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 bright foliage anchor where chartreuse leaves and coral-red fruit can carry the display through the season.
• Small Spaces: A strong choice for smaller yards, urban gardens, and tighter planting areas that need a controlled shrub.
• Foundation Planting: Provides a clean, light-toned shrub layer that looks full and finished with minimal pruning.
• Container Specimen: Works well in large containers where foliage texture, white flowers, and fruit color can be enjoyed up close.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds contrast among deep greens, purples, and blues while keeping a compact footprint.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water consistently the first growing season; after that, water during prolonged drought.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed; prune after flowering or in late winter to shape if desired.
• Renewal: Every few years, remove a few older stems at the base to refresh growth and keep the plant dense.
• 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 Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark?

• Bright Chartreuse Foliage: Fine-textured leaves emerge bright in spring and keep beds looking fresh and lifted.
• Abundant White Flowers: Summer blooms provide crisp contrast against the light foliage.
• Coral-Red Fruits: Ornamental fruit adds a standout late-season display and extra color interest.
• Compact Mounding Habit: Dense form fits smaller spaces and typically needs minimal pruning.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Delivers multi-season interest with bright foliage, white flowers, and coral-red fruit.

If you want a compact ninebark that stays neat while delivering bright chartreuse foliage, abundant white summer flowers, and coral-red fruits, Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark brings focal point color and easy structure to smaller landscapes.