with the introduction of cultivar Diabolo in 1999. This new ninebark combined dark purple foliage and outstanding durability in the landscape. Diabolo was an instant sen- sation and quickly became one of the best- selling plants at many garden centers. Since then, a number of crosses have been


made between Diabolo and it’s gold-foli- aged cousin Dart’s Gold. Resulting hybrids such as Center Glow®


(Landscape Plant


Development Center) and Coppertina® (Spring Meadow Nursery) show the influ- ence of both parents. Emerging spring foli- age of Center Glow®


then an attractive, red burgundy followed by a lasting dark purple. Coppertina®


is momentarily yellow offers


a green-copper foliage colour in spring fol- lowed by the purple-red summer foliage. Most recently, a very unique hybrid seed-


ling has emerged from the same cross that spawned Center Glow® Amber Jubilee®


and Coppertina® . is a new cultivar from the


plant improvement program at Jeffries Nurseries in Manitoba. Named in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, this cultivar is truly distinct for its fo- liage colours. Leaves on new growth are a breathtaking combination of orange, yellow and red accented with white balls of flow- ers. In late summer the foliage matures as a dark-green colour with tones of red and purple and burgundy fruit capsules. Hybrids have also been produced be- tween Diabolo and the dwarf ninebark


(Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Nanus’. Culti- vars in this group include Summer Wine® (Spring Meadow Nursery) and Little Dev- il®


(Bailey Nurseries). Both possess finer


foliage and a more compact habit which reduces the need for pruning. Little Devil® in particular is the smallest ninebark cul- tivar released to date reaching a mature size of only 1 m (3-4 feet). A recent study published in American Nurseryman (Lay- ers of Intrigue: Physocarpus and Powdery Mildew, February 2012) concluded that cultivars derived from Physocarpus opulifo- lius ‘Nanus’ may offer the highest level of resistance to powdery mildew. Culture


Ninebarks are the dream-plant of the low- maintenance gardener, transplanting readily with rapid growth and few pest problems. This group of plants is ideal for massing or as a backdrop in a shrub border. The many purple forms of ninebark provide stunning contrast with contemporary favourites such as golden spirea or green-leafed hydrangea. Planting in full sun will optimize growth and enhance foliage colour, however nine- barks still thrive in partial shade. The only downside to this useful shrub


species would be the propensity of most cul- tivars to rapidly reach a mature size of 2-3 m in height with equal width. For many of today’s residential landscapes there is less desire for a shrub of this stature. However this issue of size can be managed with bi-


The attractive, peeling bark.


annual renewal pruning, an often over- looked practice that benefits all ninebarks. A major cutback of dormant wood in spring will not only restrain plants at a 1-2 m size but results in higher production of vigorous shoots with larger, colourful leaves. `


Now Available at leading garden centers in western Canada


PH YSO CARPU S OPU IFO IU L CPBRAF USPPAF L S ‘JEFAM’ NINEBARK


Named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee


Amber Jubilee® is fit for the queen with foliage in glowing tones of orange, yellow and gold. A crown of white blooms are produced in spring and fall foliage is highlighted with tones of red and purple, making this ninebark the crown jewel over the entire growing season.


www.localgardener.net Spring 2012 • 23


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