Physocarpus plants – more info
Physocarpus plants are a boon for creating a shrubby backbone to a herbaceous border. Choose from a bright mix of foliage colours, and enjoy watching the bees flock to the pollen rich blooms in early summer, followed by the birds in autumn for the shiny black berries. Check out our Q&As below to help you choose the right physocarpus for your garden.
What is physocarpus best for in the garden?
Physocarpus is best in an informal hedge. Use the colourful leaves to contrast with other glorious shrubs, matching gold Physocarpus opulifolius 'Angel Gold' with dark red physocarpus opulifolius 'Rubella'. They reach a height of up to 2m tall so are best planted at the back of a border. The blooms and berries are very popular with wildlife. Add your physocarpus to a wildlife hedge to bring pollinators to the garden.
Is there a dwarf physocarpus?
The dwarf variety Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil'' has pink summer flowers and wine red foliage borne by stems that mature at 1.2m tall making this variety the choice for small gardens or low hedging.
Does physocarpus grow well in shade?
Physocarpus plants are nicely reliable in most positions in the garden. A spot in partial shade that sees a few hours of sunlight a day shouldn’t be a problem but do avoid deep shade for your physocarpus. Choose a green leafed variety for planting in partial shade.
Are physocarpus plants evergreen?
Physocarpus plants are deciduous, meaning that they lose their leaves in the winter months. Their season of interest is spring, summer and autumn. However, during the winter the special curling bark is revealed. Pair your physocarpus with other ornamental winter stems like colourful dogwoods for an attractive winter stem display.
