Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo - Does anyone grow and like this?

PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
in Plants
I'm looking for a purple leaved shrub to add to one of my borders and wondered whether this might be suitable. The border is south west facing, sandy loam and neutral pH.   I've recently added a Sambucus nigra and have a purple leaved Cotinus nearby.  I'd welcome any thoughts from anyone who knows this shrub and whether you would recommend it please.  Many thanks in advance. 
Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


«13

Posts

  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Hi @Plantminded  We used to have one in our garden, and loved it, although we got rid of it in a redesign. I would say it has brown leaves, not purple, and certainly not as purpley as Cotinus. It's a beautiful small shrub/tree, keeps its dark colour all year, has nice white blossom in Spring, and red berry type fruit. It can be cut back hard each year, like Cotinus. We also used to have a dwarf version of Diablo, called Physocarpus Little Devil. It had exactly the same attributes as Diablo, but only reached a maximum of 1 metre tall.  It's on the right of the photo below.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That's really helpful @KeenOnGreen thank you very much!  Lovely border too!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Thank you @SlipperyElm.  I was hesitating, but with both replies now I'm looking for an alternative!  I've only seen one in photos so this forum has proven to be a very valuable resource again!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    I've got various physocarpus and don't know for certain if I have diablo (as they all came from cuttings) but have darker leaved ones. 
    As a shrub I like it as it gives very little trouble. They can throw out some random shoots that need tidying up but I've not seen any signs of disease. 

    They do respond really well to pruning but ime you lose next year's flowers if you do it at the wrong time.
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    I do agree with slipperyelm above though. They are a nice shrub but more of a filler than a specimen shrub for me. We have ours as a backdrop to some acers and they work well.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Thank you @thevictorian, any shrub that gives little trouble is good to know!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - definitely not as reddish purple as the Cotinus or the Elder. 
    Re  @thevictorian's answer, perhaps an Acer would be the solution  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Fairygirl said:
    Yes - definitely not as reddish purple as the Cotinus or the Elder. 
    Re  @thevictorian's answer, perhaps an Acer would be the solution  ;)
    Thank you Fairygirl.  I'm still pondering but an Acer may work!

    @Perki, that looks stunning as a contrast plant, thank you.  You have a fantastic garden!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If it didn't need to be a shrub, and the ground doesn't dry out, you could try one of the dark Acteas.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sign In or Register to comment.