Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May'PBR

RHS Plant Profile
ninebark 'Donna May'

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ninebark 'Donna May' RHS
ninebark 'Donna May' RHS
ninebark 'Donna May' RHS

Synonyms

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil'
Physocarpus Little Devil
Physocarpus opulifolius Little Devil

Shrubs
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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Suckering
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
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in acidic, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Will tolerate alkaline conditions, but chlorosis may occur on shallow chalk

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or pot up suckers in the autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 2

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus