Physocarpus opulifolius Magical Sweet Cherry Tea - Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Magical Sweet Cherry Tea' is a variety of Physocarpus with particularly attractive low and compact foliage, well suited to small gardens. This small bush is decorative both for its foliage, flowers, and fruits. The young orange-red leaves turn purple in season, while the dark pink flower buds bloom in light pink corymbs in spring, with a second flowering in mid-summer. Decorative pink-red fruits complete this permanent spectacle! Very hardy, equally at home in a mixed border or grown in a pot, this Physocarpus will thrive in full sun or partial shade, in slightly acidic to neutral and not too dry soil.

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Magical Sweet Cherry Tea' belongs to the large and important family of Rosaceae, which blesses us with so many ornamental species (Roses, of course, but also Photinia, Cotoneaster, Amelanchier...) as well as most of our temperate climate fruit trees (Pear, Apple, Cherry, Peach, Apricot, Plum...), not to mention many wild plants in our countryside and forests.The species-type Physocarpus opulifolius is native to the eastern United States, and widespread up to Quebec and Manitoba. It is a moderate-sized bush (1 to 3m (3 to 10ft) tall) that adapts to a wide range of edaphic (soil) and climatic conditions. Furthermore, it is a very hardy species, no wonder it has given rise to numerous ornamental varieties given its robust qualities.

'Magical Sweet Cherry Tea' is one of the latest arrivals on the market, in 2021, and stands out for its numerous ornamental qualities. It is a particularly compact variety, not exceeding 1m (3ft) to 1.20m (4ft) in all directions, which allows it to be grown not only in the ground but also in a container to embellish a balcony or terrace. Its foliage is dense and ramified, with a very upright habit that does not open up and remains well grouped and compact. Its pretty cut and toothed leaves turn orange-red after spring budding and gradually change to purple as they mature. In spring, this small bush produces dark pink flower buds, which then open into small light pink flowers, nectar-rich and visited by bees, gathered in corymbs about 5cm (2in) in diameter. This pretty flowering then blooms again in mid-summer, and as it develops into dark pink to red fruits that are highly decorative (and appreciated by birds in autumn), this Physocarpus presents a succession of ornamental scenes throughout the growing season!

Very hardy, down to approximately -28°C, this small bush is easy to grow in most soils, preferably non-calcareous, even moist as long as they are well-drained. It actually prefers coolness to dryness but once well rooted, it can withstand episodes of drought. The foliage will suffer, but the stump will survive. Obviously, in this case, it is preferable to provide it with some watering to continue enjoying the spectacle of its foliage...

Physocarpus 'Magical Sweet Cherry Tea', very compact, will find its place in borders or as a low hedge, as well as in a beautiful container on a terrace. In small gardens, it will allow the creation of varied borders with reduced dimensions, alongside other compact shrubs such as Caryopteris 'Hint of Gold', with its aromatic golden foliage in spring and beautiful blue-purple flowers in summer. Spiraea cinerea 'Grefsheim', whose branches are covered with white flowers in spring, will also be a good companion, as well as Lagerstroemia indica 'Houston', a dwarf variety of Indian Lilac with dazzling dark pink flowering throughout summer. And to have vegetation in winter, plant at its base the Hellebore sternii 'Flame', a variety that loves the sun and whose evergreen leaves are topped from February to April by a bouquet of pink flowers with changing hues.

The name Physocarpus opulifolius comes from the Greek 'phusa' which means air bubble or vesicle, and 'karpos' which means fruit, in reference to the shape of the fruit. The resemblance of its foliage to that of Viburnum opulus gave it its specific name "opulifolius". Introduced to Europe around 1687, the many colourful cultivars that have been created in recent years have allowed it to make a strong comeback in gardens.