Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' (Ninebark) Unity Grown

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' is a multi-color ninebark cultivar noted for its white and pink-tinged flowers, wine-red foliage, and its rounded, upright growth habit. Well regarded ornamentally and ecologically for its pollinator attracting blooms from from late spring to early summer, 'Lady in Red' adds additional contrast to any green landscape, with an upright habit and a ton of ornamental beauty. In the fall, pollinated flowers turn to red, berry-like seed pods, which are attractive to birds, and even after the attractive red autumn foliage has fallen, the intricate branching pattern and unique exfoliating bark that gives the plant its common name can really shine.

This cultivar typically grows to around 5-6' tall and slightly more narrow to 3-4', so it requires a bit more space than true dwarf cultivars, but grows a bit more compact than the parent species, which can reach 10'. Although the foliage may differ from the straight species, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' maintains all the hardiness of the original, and has great tolerance to a wide variety of soil conditions, but grows best in drier sites with full sun. 'Lady in Red' can be used as a specimen plant, foundation planting, or as a hedge, thanks to its densely branching nature. In addition, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' is an excellent native substitute for the popular but invasive burning bush (Euonymus alatus).