'Diabolo' ninebark tree form

The cultivar Diabolo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’) is an aggressive grower. A knowledgeable gardener with a sharp pair of pruners may quickly and easily train Diabolo ninebark into a small tree. Plant a ninebark tree in a large container for multi-seasonal color around your deck or patio.

Its common plant name “ninebark” says a lot. The outer bark peels off, exposing a lovely dark cinnamon inner bark. Narrow gray-brown outer strips peel off as thin opaque tissue, many more than nine times.

In tree form, Diabolo grows more than 12 feet in height and 8-10 feet in width. When left unpruned, vigorous Diabolo can overwhelm its landscape space. Ninebark grows in any type of soil including marginal clay. To maintain a single or multi- stem tree shape demands bi-monthly pruning attention during the growing season to remove unwanted stem and root suckers. Tidy-up pruning takes less than 5 minutes.

Plant a ninebark tree in a large 25-30 gallon container or in the ground where you may enjoy its year-round beauty. Its root system is winter hardy in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). Numerous ¼-inch wide white flowers appear in May which contrast beautifully against the reddish burgundy Diabolo foliage. By early August, the burgundy tinted leaves have faded to medium green. Autumn foliage finishes greenish yellow before dropping.

I recommend using the following hand pruners: Corona™ #3160 or Fiskars® Powergear  Bypass Pruner.