A Dwarf Burgundy Ninebark That Fits Where the Big Ones Don't

Little Devil Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May') packs the rich burgundy foliage and rugged toughness of native ninebark into a compact, 3–4 foot mound — perfect for smaller beds and tighter spaces. Fine-textured wine-purple leaves hold their color all season, joined by pinkish-white button flowers in early summer, and it's hardy to USDA zone 3 with almost no care. Whether you want a dark-foliage accent in a Maple Grove foundation bed, a compact color contrast in an Edina border, or an easy small shrub for a Woodbury entry, Little Devil delivers big shrub character on a small footprint.

Little Devil Ninebark Plant Details

Little Devil Ninebark Uses in Minnesota Landscapes

Compact Dark-Foliage Accent

Its small size and deep burgundy leaves make Little Devil a season-long color accent for the front of a border, a foundation bed, or a tight entry where a full-size ninebark would be too big. It contrasts beautifully with chartreuse, silver, and gold.

Low Hedge or Mass Planting

At 3–4 feet, it makes a tidy low informal hedge or a sweep of dark color in a mass planting. Space plants about 3 feet apart.

Tough, Low-Maintenance Filler

As a native-derived shrub, it shrugs off clay, drought, heat, cold, and a wide pH range — a dependable, no-fuss filler for hard spots where you still want rich color.

Best Time to Plant Little Devil Ninebark in Minnesota

Plant in spring (late April–May, after the ground thaws) for a full season of root establishment, or in early fall (late August–early October) while the soil is still warm. Get it in the ground at least six weeks before the ground freezes. Avoid mid-summer heat and never plant after mid-October or before spring thaw.

How to Plant Little Devil Ninebark

1. Choose a full-sun spot for the richest foliage color.
2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep, so the crown sits at or slightly above grade.
3. Loosen heavy clay and mix in 20–30% compost; ninebark isn't fussy but appreciates decent drainage.
4. Set the plant, backfill, firm gently, and water in thoroughly.
5. Space plants about 3 feet apart for a hedge or grouping.
6. Mulch 2–3 inches with shredded bark, kept off the stems.

Watering Little Devil Ninebark in Minnesota

First Year Watering Schedule

Weeks 1–2: water deeply every 2–3 days. Month 1–2: about twice a week. Month 3–6: roughly weekly during active growth, easing off when rainfall is adequate. Stop watering 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes — usually late October.

After Year One

An established Little Devil is quite drought-tolerant, needing supplemental water mainly during extended dry spells.

Will Little Devil Ninebark survive a Minnesota winter? Yes — easily. It's rated to USDA zone 3 and is one of the toughest, most cold-hardy shrubs available, fully at home anywhere in the Twin Cities.

How is it different from Summer Wine Ninebark? Same native toughness and dark foliage, but Little Devil stays smaller and more compact (3–4 feet vs. 5–6), making it the better choice for tight spaces and the front of the border.

Will the burgundy color last all summer? Yes, especially in full sun. In too much shade the leaves green up, so give it good light for the deepest color.

Does it tolerate clay soil? Yes — exceptionally well, along with dry sites and a wide pH range.

Should I prune it? Very little needed thanks to its compact habit. Prune right after the early-summer bloom if you want to shape it, or take a harder rejuvenation cut in early spring if it gets leggy.

You May Also Like

• Summer Wine Ninebark — a larger dark-leaved ninebark for bigger spaces.
• Ginger Wine Ninebark — a ninebark with orange-to-burgundy foliage.
• Fireside Ninebark — a ninebark with vivid multicolor foliage.
• Japanese White Spirea — a compact white-flowered shrub for contrast.
• Pink Beauty Potentilla — a tough, long-blooming pink shrub.

How Many Little Devil Ninebark Do I Need?

For a low informal hedge or dark mass planting, space Little Devil 3 feet apart (its own recommended spacing within the 3–4 ft mature spread):

As a front-of-border accent, plant in groups of 3 at 3 feet apart, or give a single plant a 4–5 foot circle in a foundation bed.

Little Devil Ninebark Season-by-Season in Minnesota

• Spring: Fine-textured wine-burgundy foliage emerges early and dark — no spring green-up phase — setting an instant color foundation for the bed.
• Summer: Clusters of pinkish-white button flowers in early summer pop against the dark leaves and draw bees and butterflies; foliage holds its burgundy through heat.
• Fall: Leaves deepen toward purple-bronze before dropping, with small reddish seed clusters adding late texture.
• Winter: A dense, compact twiggy mound that takes zone 3 cold without dieback — no winter protection needed.

At a Glance

✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Drought-Tolerant

Plant It With

• Summer Wine Ninebark — the larger dark-leaved sibling for the back of the same border.
• Ginger Wine Ninebark — orange-to-wine foliage that layers warmly beside Little Devil's deep burgundy.
• First Editions Fireside Ninebark — vivid multicolor foliage for a full ninebark color study.
• Pink Beauty Potentilla — a tough, long-blooming pink companion that thrives in the same sunny, dry conditions.

Is Little Devil Ninebark Right for Your Yard?

Little Devil thrives in full sun (where its burgundy stays darkest), handles clay, drought, and a wide pH range, and fits foundation beds, entries, and border fronts at just 3–4 feet — all with near-zero maintenance. Deer resistance is only moderate, so plan on repellent the first season in heavy-browse suburbs. Not a fit for shady spots — the foliage greens up and loses its main selling point, so choose a yew or hydrangea for those beds instead.