Ninebark Summer Wine

* Common name: Ninebark Summer Wine(R)

* Botanical name: Physocarpus opulifolius

* What it is: A dark-leafed native flowering shrub that gets pinkish-white, nickel-sized, snowball-like flowers in late spring, followed by BB-sized red clusters.  Deep blood-red fall foliage.

* Size: A dwarf version of ninebark ‘Diabolo,’ easily maintained at 5-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.

* Where to use: Best leaf color in full sun. Nice specimen or sunny-border shrub.

* Care: Thin out and neaten with hand pruners right after fruits fade. Granular scattering of balanced organic fertilizer in early spring is optional. Very drought-tolerant after first year. Seldom bothered by bugs or disease.

* Great partner: Pink coreopsis ‘Heaven’s Gate’ (perennial) or a pink or rose vinca (annual).