Physocarpus Diablo®

'Diablo' begins its show in early spring, when new foliage unfurls a bright, rich maroon. Large and nicely lobed, it darkens to burgundy and then holds that color all summer, even in the heat. In the meantime, late spring and early summer have brought masses of soft, puffy pinkish-white blooms to the display. These are followed by clusters of small red fruit, which lure birds to your garden by the dozen. And in winter, when the leaves fall, you can enjoy the lovely peeling bark (a reddish-russet) that gives Ninebark its name. Year-round appeal from a super-easy, handsome shrub -- you can't beat that!

'Diablo' may remind you of a Spiraea (to which it is related) in its dense, spreading habit. Superb for mass planting along the back fence or as a privacy screen, it also makes a splendid specimen or accent planting. The foliage is lovely in indoor arrangements, and makes a nice backdrop to perennials of all types and ornamental grasses. Try it behind a large planting of yellow Daylilies!

Winner of the 2002 Gold Medal Award from the prestigious Pennsylvania Horticulture Society and the 2002 Signature Plant Selection of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 'Diablo' is available for the first time ever to home gardeners in this country. It thrives in just about any well-drained soil (though too dry is better than too wet) and full sun in the north, afternoon shade in the southern end of its range. Zones 2-7.