Physocarpus opulifolius Sweet Cherry Tea ('Zlebic5')

RHS Plant Profile
ninebark [Sweet Cherry Tea]

Synonyms

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Zlebic5'
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Sweet Cherry Tea'

Shrubs

A compact, deciduous shrub with eye catching deep orangy red new shoots, which become a deep cherry red heading into the summer. To add to the attraction this shrub is repeat flowering, firstly in late spring and again in late summer producing clusters of pink flowers twice in one year

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
2–5 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
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
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
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
Trade

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

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

Pruning

Pruning group 2. Remove up to one in four of the oldest stems in summer after first flowering, for a healthy vigorous shrub

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus