Overview
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' is a bushy, suckering shrub in the genus Physocarpus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, hedging and screens and flower borders and beds. It is native to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.
About
Physocarpus opulifolius, known as common ninebark, Eastern ninebark, Atlantic ninebark, or simply ninebark, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family Rosaceae, native to eastern North America, named for its peeling multi-hued bark.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Physocarpus opulifolius
About the genus
Physocarpus, commonly called ninebark, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae. All but two species are native to North America; the two outliers being native to northeastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Physocarpus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Physocarpus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Physocarpus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Hedging and screens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in summer, Pot up suckers in autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light'?
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' need?
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' grow?
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' hardy in the UK?
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Physocarpus opulifolius 'Black Light'?
Softwood cuttings in summer, Pot up suckers in autumn or spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.