Little Devil Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Little Devil’

Little Devil® Ninebark is a compact, cold-hardy, and disease-resistant deciduous shrub known for its deep burgundy foliage, small pink-white flowers in summer, and low-maintenance care. A dwarf variety, it grows smaller than traditional Ninebarks, making it perfect for small gardens, borders, and foundation plantings in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (excellent for prairie climates, very winter-hardy)
• Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide (much smaller than other Ninebarks)
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-18 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color in 6+ hours of direct sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid waterlogged conditions, as Ninebark dislikes overly wet soil.
• Spacing: 3-4 feet apart for hedging, 4+ feet apart for individual plantings.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering every 7-10 days in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but does not tolerate soggy conditions.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to promote healthy growth.
  • Trim lightly after flowering to maintain a neat, compact shape.
  • Rejuvenate older plants by cutting back up to one-third of the oldest stems every 3-4 years.
  • Little Devil® naturally maintains a rounded, tidy shape, so minimal pruning is needed.

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (June-July)
• Flower Color: Small pink-white clusters contrast beautifully with dark foliage
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Deep burgundy to wine-colored leaves
  • Fall: Leaves turn a rich bronze before dropping
• Bark: Peeling, cinnamon-brown bark adds winter interest

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Drought, deer, urban pollution, and most pests

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Can cause leaf discoloration in hot, dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed in Zone 3-7.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Rodent & Deer Protection: Generally resistant to deer, but young plants may need protection from rabbits in winter.

Landscape Uses

Great for specimen plantings, hedges, and foundation plantings
Compact size makes it ideal for small gardens and urban landscapes
Dark burgundy foliage provides season-long color contrast
Low-maintenance and easy to grow
Attracts pollinators and provides year-round interest

Additional Notes:

• Little Devil® Ninebark is one of the best small ornamental shrubs for adding bold foliage color, offering three-season interest with minimal care.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in modern landscapes, mixed borders, mass plantings, and as a low hedge.

Photo courtesy of First Edition Plants