Tiny Wine Ninebark Offers Dark Foliage on a Compact Shrub

Virtues: We Love Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine for its dwarf, compact habit covered with spectacularly rich bronze to burgundy foliage. In spring, tiny pink buds begin to appear, later exploding in bundles of blush pink, small button-like flowers that contrast beautifully against the dark foliage. These butterfly-loving miniature shrubs create a very showy display in containers or flowerbeds.

Common name: Tiny Wine ninebark

Botanical name:Physocarpus opulifolius ‘SMPOTW’ or Tiny Wine

Flowers: In spring, an abundance of bright pink buds emerge, later bursting in clusters of dainty light pink to white flowers that line the branches throughout late-spring through summer.

Foliage: An abundance of small, refined, dark bronze to maroon leaves densely cover the upright branches. The shrub is deciduous.

Habit: Tiny Wine has a tidy, dense habit reaching only 3 to 4 feet in height with a similar spread. Its size and shape makes it easy to combine with perennials or incorporate into a foundation planting or along a pathway.

Season: The delicate blush-colored blooms offer spring through summer interest; the stunning foliage lends appeal from early spring well into fall.

Origin: Selection of a green-leaved species native to much of eastern North America. Introduced by Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs. Tiny Wine is a good solution for gardeners who admire the selection Diabolo (sometimes misspelled Diablo), but cannot accommodate its 8- to 10-foot size, or that of the 4-to-6-foot Summer Wine variety.

How to grow Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine: These bushy dwarf shrubs will grow successfully in most average, well-drained soils. They thrive in full sun with regular watering. You can prune up to a third of the branches to the ground in late winter if you desire, though the plant’s small size generally negates the need for pruning. USDA Zones 3–8.

Image courtesy of Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs
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