Physocarpus opulifolius 'Center Glow'

'Center Glow' Ninebark

Center Glow Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Center Glow’) is a deciduous shrub whose spring leaves combine rosy red margins with golden-green centers. As the leaves mature, the colors deepen toward purple and burgundy, giving the shrub a changing presence through the growing season.

Clusters of white flowers open from pink buds in late spring to early summer. Red fruit follows, while older stems develop peeling bark that remains visible after leaf fall. Its branching framework gives it enough substance to serve as an informal hedge or a large border accent.

Grow in sun to partial shade and allow space for its broad outline. This adaptable shrub accepts a range of well-drained soils. If shaping is needed, prune after flowering to protect the next season’s flower display.

Size
• Width: About 8 ft
• Height: About 8 ft

Hardiness
• USDA cold-hardiness guide: hardy to Zone 3

Best Uses
• Mixed shrub borders
• Informal hedges
• Foliage contrast
• Grouped landscape plantings
• Winter bark interest

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

8 ft

Width

8 ft

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Burgundy, Golden-yellow, Red

Fall color

Orange

Attracts

Bees, Birds, Butterflies

Soil

Clay, Highly Adaptable, Loamy, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Multi Stem, Upright

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

No

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

Yes