Physocarpus opulifolius Ginger Wine® is a multi-color ninebark cultivar noted for its eye-catching foliage and attractive flowers. Well regarded ornamentally and ecologically for its pink and white pollinator attracting blooms from from late spring to early summer, Ginger Wine® adds additional contrast to any green landscape, with an vase-like habit and a ton of ornamental beauty; early spring foliage starts with bronzey-orange and burgundy hues before turning to deep purple-black by the middle of summer. 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 wide, so it requires a bit more space than true dwarf cultivars, but grows a bit smaller than a variety of cultivars as well as the parent species, which can reach 10'. Although the foliage may differ from the straight species, Physocarpus opulifolius Ginger Wine® 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. Ginger Wine® can be used as a specimen plant, foundation planting, or as a hedge, thanks to its densely branching nature. In addition, Physocarpus opulifolius Ginger Wine® is an excellent native substitute for the popular but invasive burning bush (Euonymus alatus).