Physocarpus opulifolius 'Luteus'

RHS Plant Profile
ninebark 'Luteus'

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ninebark 'Luteus' RHS

Synonyms

Physocarpus ribesifolius 'Aureus'

Shrubs
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'Luteus' is a deciduous shrub forming an extensive thicket of stems to 3m tall, bearing maple-like, 3-lobed leaves, yellow when young, and rounded clusters of small pink-tinged white flowers in summer, followed by small bladdery fruits

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–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
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 but will tolerate alkaline soils. Chlorosis may occur if grown in shallow chalky soil

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or pot up rooted suckers in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Remove spent stems and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus