About

Flower clusters in early summer are white, becoming pink. A suckering deciduous shrub with vibrant red foliage. Eventual height 2-3m.

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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrows best in acidic, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Chlorosis may occur if grown in shallow chalky soil. Best foliage colour produced in good light
PruningLightly thin older stems. Pruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer or pot up rooted suckers in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus