PHYSOCARPUS opulifolus 'Little Angel'

Description

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Little Angel’

Height x Spread: 100cm x 100cm

This ever-popular Ninebark shrub, is notable for its foliage, which emerges a burnt orange and deepens to rich burgundy. More compact than some of its family, it needs moist but well drained soil that is preferably neutral to acidic but given enough moisture and yearly mulching it seems to do well in more alkaline soils too.

A westerly aspect helps to show off the magnificent colours of its foliage. As the sun drops lower in the sky its rays illuminate the foliage from behind and the effect is beautiful. Rounded heads of small white flowers appear from mid-summer and these can be followed by non-edible fruits which are red and darken to black in the autumn.

To give this versatile plant the best start ensure it stays properly hydrated in its first year while the roots are establishing. Good for full sun to part shade conditions in moist but well drained humus-rich soil. Add a layer of good organic mulch around the plant in spring.  

Each spring take out one in four of the stems at the base, this will encourage colourful new growth and prevent the plant from becoming congested as it can sucker. If you need to reduce the height then remove a maximum of one third from the taller stems by cutting to an outward facing bud.

This plant is deciduous, losing its leaves in winter. The new leaves emerge in early Spring. Fully hardy in the UK.

Suitable for city, courtyard, cottage style and wildlife friendly gardens as well as borders, large containers and beds.