The Story
Plant Bio
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Summer Wine' is a deciduous shrub renowned for its dense, bushy habit, with deeply lobed, dark purple foliage and clusters of small, white flowers in late spring.
This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, wine-red foliage that retains its rich color throughout the growing season, making it a striking addition to ornamental gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
72 inches
Width
60 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Decades with proper care
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late spring – Late fall
In flower about 7 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to encourage rooting.
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
- Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead wood.
- Mulch around base to retain soil moisture.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation to prevent disease and prune annually for best shape.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 💧
- Prune in late winter or early spring ✂️
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture 🌱
- Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Ignore pruning which helps maintain shape ❌
- Use chemical pesticides excessively ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ninebark Summer Wine questions
What zones can Ninebark Summer Wine grow in?
Ninebark Summer Wine is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Ninebark Summer Wine deer resistant?
Yes — Ninebark Summer Wine is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Ninebark Summer Wine bloom?
Ninebark Summer Wine typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Ninebark Summer Wine need full sun?
Ninebark Summer Wine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Physocarpus to compare
Ginger Wine Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Ginger Wine'
Diabolo Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo'
Pacific Ninebark
Physocarpus capitatus
Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius
Tiny Wine Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Tiny Wine'
Golden Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lynwood Gold'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Ninebark Summer Wine with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.