Summer Wine Ninebark

Summer Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward')

Summer Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward') is a standout deciduous shrub admired for its rich wine-colored foliage, compact form, and cascading habit. With its elegant texture and deep color, this versatile cultivar provides year-round appeal and strong contrast in borders, foundations, and mass plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Summer Wine' features deeply lobed, dark purple leaves that hold their color throughout the growing season. In late spring, it produces clusters of soft pinkish-white flowers that bloom along gracefully arching branches, offering a striking contrast against the dark foliage. The plant maintains a full, mounded shape and reveals exfoliating bark in winter for added texture. With its improved mildew resistance and manageable size, it serves as a reliable focal point in both formal and informal garden designs.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best foliage color; tolerates light shade
• Soil: Well-drained soil; adaptable to clay, loam, and average garden soils
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Rich foliage and elegant form stand out in seasonal beds
• Foundation Planting: Mounded shape and dark color add contrast near buildings
• Mixed Borders: Provides texture and color among perennials and flowering shrubs
• Mass Planting: Creates dramatic sweeps of color when used in groups
• Pollinator Gardens: Spring flowers support bees and beneficial insects

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during establishment; more drought tolerant with maturity
• Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape or refresh older stems
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed
• Mulching: Use mulch to preserve moisture and suppress weed growth
• Disease Resistance: Improved resistance to powdery mildew compared to older varieties

Why Choose Summer Wine Ninebark?

• Deep Purple Foliage: Maintains bold color from spring through fall
• Graceful Arching Habit: Adds movement and texture to planting designs
• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and adaptable to a wide range of conditions
• Pollinator Friendly: Early-season blooms provide nectar for bees
• Focal Point: Combines rich color and elegant form for standout visual appeal

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' Summer Wine delivers lasting foliage color, a graceful form, and multi-season performance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a bold, easy-care shrub that enhances the landscape year-round.