Plant Name: Ninebark – Diablo (Purple or Purple-leafed)
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Technical name: Physocarpus Opulifolius 'Diabolo' (related to Spirea)
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Plant Family / Type: Rosaceae (Roses) / Broadleaf, Deciduous Flowering Shrub
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Preferred location: Full Sun / Partial Shade
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Mature height: 8’ – 10’
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Mature Width: 8’ – 10’
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Growth Rate / Habit: Fast / Upgright
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Flower / Foliage:
· Clusters of little White flowers – late May to June
· Flowers are scented
· Medium to large leaves with Deep Burgundy color all season. Leaves will be darkest with good sun exposure, and will have a little dark green cast if not enough sun
· Remarkably disease and pest resistant. Powdery mildew can strike if the leaves stay wet
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Preferred soil:
· Average to slightly moist and fertile but will adapt to most any soil type
· Perform better in a well-drained soil, it's relatively good at tolerating wet soil (the species is sometimes listed as a wetland plant in the wild)
· Extremely drought tolerant once established
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Pruning and Maintenance:
· Time – early Spring or late Winter (bloom on the prior year's wood)
· Only care it needs is to remove any dead wood, older canes or branches that are no longer providing flowers. Cut these unproductive branches at ground level with lopping shears
· Or to thin out a 1/4 of the stems each year in the Winter or Spring, right down to the base, to maintain a bushy habit. This rejuvenates the plant, helping to prevent a leggy appearance, and encourages the production of flowers and fruit
· Search for a smaller branch that is located on the outer side of a larger branch. Cut away the larger branch at an angle with sharp pruning shears. This will allow the smaller branch to grow
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Shaping:
· Can be trimmed / pruned to just about any shape or size to meet the needs of just about any landscape area
· Cut this shrub back by half following flowering every several years. This will keep it shapely and under control
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Fertilize
· Most any granular fertilizers with a 6-12-12, or 10-10-10 ratio are also acceptable. Best to fertilize in early spring when you see new buds or leaves
· Will promote healthy growth and increase deep coloring of the leaves
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