Sweet Cherry Tea Ninebark

Sweet Cherry Tea Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Sweet Cherry Tea')

Sweet Cherry Tea Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Sweet Cherry Tea') is a compact, colorful shrub that offers richly saturated foliage, attractive pink blooms, and a naturally rounded habit. This versatile variety combines multi-season appeal with a tidy form, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, small borders, and decorative containers.

Distinctive Features

'Sweet Cherry Tea' features deep reddish-bronze foliage that emerges in spring, gradually darkening to burgundy and maroon as the season progresses. Rounded clusters of soft pink flowers bloom in late spring, drawing pollinators and creating vivid contrast against the dark leaves. The shrub maintains a dense, mounding habit without requiring much pruning, and its exfoliating bark adds winter texture. Its rich coloration and consistent form make it a reliable focal point in both formal and informal garden settings.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained soil; adaptable to clay, loam, and average garden soils
• Water: Moderate; regular moisture preferred during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Rich foliage and vibrant flowers provide bold contrast in borders
• Foundation Planting: Compact size and color make it ideal near buildings and walkways
• Container Gardening: Works well in large patio pots and decorative containers
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds dark foliage contrast among lighter greens and variegated plants
• Pollinator Gardens: Spring blooms attract bees and beneficial insects

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during the first year; more drought tolerant once established
• Pruning: Light pruning after flowering can help maintain a tidy shape
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed
• Mulching: Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Disease Resistance: Resistant to powdery mildew and other common foliar diseases

Why Choose Sweet Cherry Tea Ninebark?

• Bold Foliage Color: Reddish-bronze to deep burgundy leaves provide rich seasonal interest
• Compact and Neat: Naturally rounded habit fits well in small gardens and borders
• Multi-Season Appeal: Flowers, foliage, and bark offer interest throughout the year
• Pollinator Friendly: Blooms support early-season pollinators
• Focal Point: Strong color and form stand out in mixed plantings and containers

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Sweet Cherry Tea' delivers color, structure, and dependable performance in a compact size, making it a smart and stylish option for gardeners looking to enhance small spaces with vivid foliage and seasonal charm.