A tough yet very pretty North American native flowering shrub, the Little Joker Ninebark, a Physocarpus, is prized for its smaller size, outstanding flower and foliage color, and its wildlife benefits. It forms an upright, rounded mound only 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, clothed in dense, dark burgundy-purple foliage that becomes even darker as fall approaches. From late spring to mid-summer, it displays abundant clusters of white flowers tinted with soft pink, which contrast beautifully with the dark foliage and attract butterflies, beneficial pollinators, and hummingbirds. Following the flowers are equally abundant clusters of red berries that the birds will feast on. Easy to grow, super cold-hardy to -40°F, and drought-tolerant, Little Joker is a fine accent and standout in the landscape or garden.

The name “ninebark” derives from the peeling of mature bark, which makes it look like there are multiple layers of bark on the plant. It is a very appealing winter effect.

Landscape & Garden Uses