Summer Wine Black Ninebark
Summer Wine Black Ninebark
The Darkest Ninebark: Near-Black Foliage on a Native Shrub
Summer Wine Black Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Summer Wine Black') is among the darkest-leaved ninebarks — deeply saturated near-black foliage on a fine-textured, upright-arching shrub, accented by clusters of white-pink button flowers in late spring. Bred from our tough native ninebark, it offers dramatic season-long color, pollinator value, and exfoliating winter bark. Adaptable and deer-resistant, it's a bold dark anchor for borders and foundations in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Summer Wine Black Ninebark Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Physocarpus opulifolius 'Summer Wine Black' |
| Mature Size | 5–6 ft. tall, 4–5 ft. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade (darkest foliage in full sun) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring into early summer |
| Flower Color | White to pink, over near-black 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
Dramatic dark anchor: Its near-black foliage makes a striking focal point and contrast plant. Space 4–5 feet apart.
Native, pollinator, and four-season interest: Spring flowers feed pollinators and exfoliating bark adds winter texture. Pair with gold-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 Summer Wine Black 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 4–5 feet apart. Full sun gives the darkest foliage.
Watering Summer Wine Black 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 shape.
Q: How dark is the foliage?
Among the darkest of any ninebark — a deep, near-black purple that holds all season in full sun.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy well below Twin Cities lows.
Q: Is it native?
Yes — a dark-leaved selection of native ninebark.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer rarely browse ninebark.
You May Also Like
Diabolo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): The classic large purple-black ninebark.
Amber Jubilee Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): A glowing gold-orange ninebark for contrast.
Glow Girl Spirea (Spiraea): A gold-foliage shrub to set off the dark leaves.