Physocarpus opulifolius Monlo Diabolo

Common Name:
Diabolo Ninebark

Description:
Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, commonly sold as Diabolo Ninebark, is a hardy deciduous shrub renowned for its dramatic deep purple foliage, arching growth habit, and attractive seasonal interest. This vigorous ornamental shrub produces richly coloured burgundy-purple leaves that provide bold contrast throughout spring and summer before developing warm autumn tones. In late spring to early summer, clusters of soft pink-white flowers appear along the stems, attracting bees and beneficial pollinators. As the plant matures, its peeling bark reveals attractive layered textures, adding additional winter interest to the garden. Diabolo Ninebark performs exceptionally well in Melbourne’s temperate climate, thriving in full sun for the best foliage colour and adapting to a wide range of well-drained soils. It is notably hardy, drought tolerant once established, and low maintenance, making it ideal for feature planting, screening, mixed shrub borders, and larger landscape designs. Its strong foliage colour and graceful form make it an outstanding contrast plant in both traditional and contemporary gardens.

Form:

• Shrub - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 2–3 m
• Width: 2–3 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• White
• Pale pink

Key Attributes:

• Bee Attracting
• Deciduous
• Drought Tolerant
• Feature Bark
• Feature Foliage
• Perennial
• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Screening

Toxicity:

• Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

Companion Plants:

• Achillea
• Hydrangea
• Lavender
• Miscanthus
• Salvia
• Spiraea
• Viburnum
• Weigela
• Woodland grasses

This cultivar is grown by Flemings Nurseries, one of Australia's most renowned growers.
Image used with permission from Fleming’s Nurseries.

For more information on this particular variety, click here