Quackin Grass Nursery

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Fire and Brimstone' (EXCLUSIVE) – We evaluated for 5 years this Ninebark found as a seedling here at Quackin' Grass. 'Brimstone and Fire' lavishly displays the darkest purple-black foliage we've encountered on any cultivar. The satin finish is much darker than 'Center Glow' and even darker than both 'Diablo' and 'Summer Wine'. Foliage emerges bronze to bronze-purple, more bronze in a wet, cloudy spring; more purple in a drier, sunnier spring. As the season progresses and the days grow longer and sunnier the color gradually darkens to the blackest yet found on any Ninebark - the color in full sun holds better, longer and with virtually no bronzing. And it is key that the shrub is planted in full, blazing sun. The color is not immediate, however; The foliage matures increasingly black as the summer days grow hotter. Typical violet-pink infused white corymbs occur in abundance studding the stems and are beautiful against the blackened leaves. As the seed pods develop they turn a rich, deep, resplendent and glowering red, a really juicy shade – also beautiful against the purple-black leaves. The leaves are brimstone; the seed heads are fire. It's been difficult capturing the actual leaf color in pics... these barely do the plant justice. Site in full blazing sun for the best and darkest foliage color. We expect that in more shade the intensity of shade will diminish and become more bronzed. 'Fire and Brimstone' is adaptable to soil type. if purchased in autumn these will arrive partially pruned. Established potted Ninebark, cutting grown.

Addendum: Having grown this in the garden for 10 years I can tell you that this is a tall grower, the main stem having attained 8+ feet. Additional branches tend to splay outwards. The overall habit is open. Depending upon your needs and the garden denizens with which you are placing 'Fire and Brimstone' this habit may work just fine for you. For instance, we have ours set before a group of 3 Viburnum dilatatum 'Erie'. Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi' sets at the forefront for a handsome combination. It works. Depending upon your needs e.g. if a shorter somewhat denser Ninebark is desired this shrub can be pruned.