Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward'

Summer Wine Ninebark

Summer Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’) combines purple foliage with a branching, arching habit. Its relatively small leaves give the shrub a fine texture, making it easy to combine with bolder foliage in a mixed planting.

Clusters of pink-white flowers appear in late spring and show clearly against the dark leaves. The deciduous canopy provides color through the growing season, while exposed stems and peeling bark add interest in winter. It stays smaller than many traditional ninebarks but still needs room to develop its natural spread.

Grow in full sun for strong foliage color, using well-drained soil. Established plants tolerate periods of drought. Prune after flowering if shaping is required, and allow the branches to retain their graceful arch.

Size
• Width: 5–8 ft
• Height: 5–8 ft

Hardiness
• USDA Zones: 3–7

Best Uses
• Mixed borders
• Informal flowering hedges
• Spacious foundation beds
• Foliage contrast
• Grouped shrub plantings

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

5-8 ft

Width

5-8 ft

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

Pink, White

Leaf color

Purple

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