About

A low-growing, compact shrub to 1.2m tall and wide. Leaves emerge bronze-green before darkening to a burgundy-purple colour. Clusters of pinkish-white flowers are borne in summer.

About the genus

Physocarpus are bushy deciduous suckering shrubs with palmately lobed leaves and corymbs of small cream flowers in early summer, followed by small, bladdery brown fruits

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrows best in acidic, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Will tolerate alkaline conditions, but chlorosis may occur on shallow chalk
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer or pot up suckers in the autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus