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Raspberry Lemonade™ Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius ‘ZLEYel2’ PP31,198
Description & Overview
Raspberry Lemonade™ Ninebark is a new and exciting cultivar of a native Ninebark. In spring, it emerges with cascading bright yellow tinted leaves that give way to coral candy colored berries. A multiple season interest shrub, this dwarf cultivar offers use in compact spaces, residential and commercial settings. Performing best in full sun, it is sure to spark interest with its recurrent blooms and persistent berries.
We’re not presently growing this plant.
Core Characteristics
Suggested Uses:
Site Raspberry Lemonade™ Ninebark around your patio, and kick back with a Raspberry Lemonade to enjoy the pollinators it brings… really though. It will provide interesting seasonal scenery for a frequented spot in the yard, as a foundation planting, in an urban setting or in commercial sites like parking lots or along parkways. Best in full sun, and average soils – it can versatile as a statement shrub in a small space, or as a mass planting to create formality in the landscape.
Wildlife Value:
The clusters of white flowers attract pollinators. Ninebark is a high-quality source of nesting material to many bird species due to its exfoliating bark and dense habit. You’ll likely see many avian visitors to the plant throughout the season as they build their homes for the year.
Maintenance Tips:
If sited correctly, little to no maintenance will be necessary with Raspberry Lemonade™. Growing to a mature compact size of 4ft x 4ft pruning for size shouldn’t be needed. To allow for a natural cascading habit to occur, do not prune back woody stems. If any tip dieback occurs after a harsh winter, in very early spring any dead parts can be pruned off, however be sure not to prune live tissue as it will hinder flower production.
Pests/Problems:
No known diseases or pests pose a threat to the health of this plant. Powdery mildew may occur when planted in a location that does not have good air flow.
Tip die back may occur during winter, this can be pruned in spring. However any harsh pruning in spring will affect flower output, so be sure to only remove dead parts before the shrub produces leaves for the season.
Leaf Lore:
Raspberry Lemonade™ Ninebark is introduced through Plants Nouveau, bred by Milwaukee, Wisconsin native Dr. David Zlesak. He teaches horticulture at University of Wisconsin-river Falls and has been breeding roses for over 30 years, and he has been expanding into other species throughout the years.
Companion Plants:
Combine with color compatible perennials like Montrose White Calamint, Cardinal Flower, Hummelo Lambs Ear, Little Bluestem, and Junior Walker Catmint. For contrast, combine with compact purple-leaf Little Devil™ Ninebark.
All photos provided by Dr. David Zlesak.
