Physocarpus opulifolius Nugget

Nugget Obedient Plant

Nugget Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Nugget’) is a compact deciduous shrub with bright golden foliage as new leaves unfold in spring. The color softens toward yellow-green and green through summer, providing a useful change of tone among darker shrubs.

White flower clusters add a second spring feature, and the older stems reveal peeling bark after leaf fall. Introduced by South Dakota State University, this selection offers several seasons of interest in a comparatively narrow shrub, making it useful where a broad ninebark would take too much room.

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil and space for the mature branching habit. Use selective pruning after flowering when necessary. Its light foliage works especially well beside purple-leaved shrubs or a backdrop of evergreens.

Size
• Width: About 3 ft
• Height: Up to 6 ft

Hardiness
• USDA Zones: 3–7 (cultivar grower’s range)

Best Uses
• Golden foliage accents
• Mixed shrub borders
• Informal hedges
• Contrasting shrub groups
• Winter bark interest

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

6 ft

Width

3 ft

Hardiness zones

3–10

Sunlight

Full Sun

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Golden-yellow, Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees, Birds, Butterflies

Soil

Clay, Highly Adaptable, Loamy, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Arching, Multi Stem

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

No

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

No

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

Yes