Ninebark 'Orange Sunset'

Ninebark 'Orange Sunset' (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Orange Sunset') lives up to its name: the young leaves open a coppery orange and darken to bronze-burgundy by summer. In winter the shrub keeps its interest through peeling bark.

Use it massed in a shrub border, in a hedge or screen, or on banks that need holding. The species grows to 2.5-4 m tall, so this is a large block of contrast rather than a miniature like Little Devil. The brightest colour comes in full sun, and it takes drought and dry rocky soil in its stride.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The small white-and-pink flowers in their corymbs are a real draw for bees - at peak bloom the shrub fairly hums.
• Dimensions: At ten years it reaches 2.5-4 m tall and 1.5-2.5 m wide.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -45 °C (USDA zone 2).
• Flowering: In April and May the bush is covered with dense white or pink corymbs.
• Light: It is equally happy in full sun or partial shade; in northern areas plant it in the open sun.
• Soil: It takes ordinary garden soil, slightly acidic and well drained, and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
• Watering: Watering is moderate, from dry to medium; it takes drought and dry rocky soils in its stride.
• Care: It responds willingly to pruning right after flowering and no later than mid-August; an old bush is rejuvenated in spring by cutting it back close to the ground.
• Landscape use: It carries masses in shrub borders, hedges and green screens, and on banks it also holds the soil against erosion.