Little Devil Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May') is a compact cultivar of the eastern North American native ninebark, selected for deep burgundy foliage and a naturally mounded habit. It stays 3–5 ft tall and wide - roughly half the size of standard ninebark cultivars - making it practical for small gardens, mixed borders, and foundation plantings without heavy corrective pruning.
Clusters of small white to blush-pink flowers appear in late spring and attract native bees and other pollinators. Reddish inflated seed capsules follow and persist into fall, providing a late-season food source for birds. The bark exfoliates in thin papery strips through winter, the trait behind the common name. The plant tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils and handles periodic drought once established; a pH range of 5.5–7.5 is acceptable. Avoid sites with standing water or consistently poor drainage.
Physocarpus opulifolius supports a range of native bee species through its pollen-rich late-spring flowering period and is among the most cold-tolerant native shrubs available for northern gardens.
Ecoregions:Northern ForestsEastern Temperate ForestsGreat Plains
These dates are for Zone 6b. Enter your ZIP to time every job to your own frost dates.
- buy · Jan 2 - Jan 16Buy plants - about two months before planting out
- plant · Mar 13 - Apr 3Plant container stock in full sun at the depth it sat in the pot and water in deeply. Shade greens up the burgundy leaves.
Problems & troubleshooting
Common problems
Powdery mildew
White or grey powdery coating on leaves - usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.
Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.
Fungal leaf spot
Brown or purplish spots on the leaves, often ringed with a yellow halo, that spread and merge in warm, humid, or wet weather; heavily spotted leaves yellow and drop early.
Pick off spotted leaves and clear fallen debris to remove overwintering spores. Improve air circulation by thinning, and water at the base so foliage dries quickly. If it persists, apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign.