Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark
Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark
Foliage That Shifts From Lemon-Yellow to Raspberry-Red
Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Raspberry Lemonade') puts on a constantly changing color show — new growth emerges bright lemon-yellow and matures to rich raspberry-red, so the compact shrub glows in warm bicolor tones all season. White-pink spring flowers and exfoliating winter bark round out the appeal. Bred from tough native ninebark, it's adaptable, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant — a vivid foliage shrub for borders and foundations in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Physocarpus opulifolius 'Raspberry Lemonade' |
| Mature Size | 3–5 ft. tall, 3–5 ft. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade (best color in full sun) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring into early summer |
| Flower Color | White to pink, over lemon-to-raspberry foliage |
| Soil | Adaptable — tolerates clay, poor soil, and a range of moisture |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -40°F — a tough native |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer |
| Native Status | Selection of native ninebark |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Multicolor foliage accent: The lemon-to-raspberry shift gives season-long, ever-changing color in borders and foundations. Space 3–4 feet apart.
Native, pollinator, and four-season interest: Spring flowers feed pollinators and exfoliating bark adds winter texture. Pair with dark-foliage shrubs and native perennials.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September). Very adaptable; water through establishment.
How to Plant Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep. Space 3–4 feet apart. Full sun gives the brightest color.
Watering Raspberry Lemonade Ninebark
First year: Water deeply every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Drought-tolerant — water during dry spells. Prune after flowering to encourage fresh, colorful new growth.
Q: Why does the foliage change color?
New growth emerges lemon-yellow and matures to raspberry-red, so the shrub shows warm bicolor tones all season.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy well below Twin Cities lows.
Q: Is it native?
Yes — a colorful selection of native ninebark.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer rarely browse ninebark.
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Amber Jubilee Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): A glowing gold-orange ninebark.
Darkstar Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): A dark-burgundy ninebark for contrast.
Coneflower (Echinacea): A native pollinator companion.