Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Dart’s Gold’

About this cultivar:

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Dart’s Gold’ is a compact medium-sized deciduous shrub with clusters of small, cream or pink-tinged flowers. A cross of ‘Luteus’ and ‘Nanus’ resulting in new leaves of brighter chartreuse (often with a hint red) that turn greener over time and can also shift to a spectacular orange in the autumn. Has the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (RHS AGM).

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Flowers: June, July
• Other features: Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (RHS AGM), Bees and Butterflies, Interesting Foliage or Fruit
• Hardiness: H7 – Hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20C), Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Habit: Suckering, bushy
• Foliage: Deciduous
• Height: 120 – 180 cm (4 – 6ft)
• Spread: 120 – 180 cm (4 – 6 ft)
• Time to full growth: 10 to 20 years
• Plant type: Shrub
• Colour: White, yellow
• Goes well with: —

About this genus:

Physocarpus (fy-so-car-pus), commonly called ninebark, is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family (Rosaceae), native to North America and northeastern Asia.The genus name Physocarpus comes from the Greek for bladder fruit, referring to the inflated fruits of some species.The common name ninebark refers to the peeling bark of mature branches, which comes away in strips.

Physocarpus are deciduous shrubs with alternately arranged leaves. The inflorescence is a cluster of bell-shaped flowers with rounded white or pink petals. Anywhere eye catching masses of foliage are needed, Physocarpus can fit the bill. With a leafy, casual look, Physocarpus presents luscious leaves, distinctive tight clusters of small flowers, and earthy red pillow-shaped fruit along their stems. These cold tolerant, plants possess a durable, yet alluring bent, in almost any situation that isn’t waterlogged or fully shaded. If you need a smaller specimen, cutting Physocarpus to the ground in early spring will result in a flush of even darker foliage and, of course, a more compact shrub.

What to plant with? Well, we think it makes an outstanding background or canvas for white, yellow, orange and red flowers. Some ipairings from our garden include Rudbeckia, Lupinus, and Chrysanthemum.