- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 5 - 8 Feet
- Mature Spread 5 - 8 Feet
- Growing Zones 2 - 8
There are many North American native shrubs that are just not used enough in ornamental garden plans. Ninebark is one of these shrubs. Diabolo Ninebark is a variety that has been bred to highlight all of the best attributes of the native. The combination of shiny, deeply colored foliage and exfoliating bark that reveals different colors as the shrub matures makes this shrub a standout specimen wherever it is planted. Diabolo has a more compact size and shape that makes it useful not only in an informal hedge, but in a smaller garden as a dramatic focal point.
Ninebark is useful for attracting native pollinators and other wildlife to the garden. The early summer blooms are a pale pink that encourage pollinators. The berries that form later are attractive to song birds and other small animals. The deep maroon foliage turns brilliant shades of red and orange in fall and then drops to reveal peeling and highly colorful stems and branches in the winter. Diabolo tends to have colors of purple, brown and tan on the branches. Other varieties include blues and greens as the shrub ages.
Diabolo Ninebark Care
Ninebark is very low maintenance in the correct position. Full sun to part shade will help the leaves stay red and not turn green. Moist, well draining soil that is slightly neutral to acid will support vigorous growth. Consistent watering will result in a well established shrub that tolerates short periods of drought and heat. Extra irrigation will be required for any extended periods of hot, dry weather.
Annual pruning maintenance is best done in the spring as the new growth emerges. Prune out any dead, diseased, dying or diagonal branches. Blooming occurs on current season growth. Diabolo Ninebark is a more compact variety that stays very dense with little shaping pruning needed. Supplemental fertilizing is rarely needed with native plants. A mulch of organic compost or leaves in the fall will help to build nutrition in the soil naturally as well as increase moisture retention over time.
Diabolo Ninebark Spacing
Diabolo ninebark is really best as a specimen shrub with its dramatic foliage and bark coloring. Larger gardens could use it as part of an informal mixed shrub hedge. Mature height will be 6-8 feet with a width of 7-9 feet. Spacing of 8 feet on center is recommended.
Diabolo Ninebark Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 5 - 8 Feet |
Mature Spread: 6 - 9 Feet |
Spacing: 6 - 9 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Pink, White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: May And June |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Purple, Red |
Foliage Description: Variegated |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Hedges & Privacy, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Diabolo Ninebark |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: PHYSOCARPUS OP. `DIABOLO` |
- SKU:
- 1002162-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.