Little Devil Ninebark

Compact Burgundy Foliage
Pink Spring Blooms
Low Hedge Accent

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#3 Container

$48.00

6 in stock

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$48.00

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Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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Little Devil Ninebark

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Little Devil Ninebark

Little Devil Ninebark is a compact deciduous shrub known for deep burgundy foliage, rounded form, and delicate spring flower clusters. Its smaller size makes it an excellent choice for foundation beds, low hedges, mixed borders, and colorful landscape accents.

Why choose Little Devil Ninebark?

Choose Little Devil Ninebark for bold ninebark color in a space-saving form. Unlike larger purple-leaf ninebarks, this selection stays compact and dense, making it easier to fit near walkways, patios, entries, and smaller garden beds. Dark foliage provides strong contrast through the growing season, while late-spring blooms add a soft, pollinator-friendly touch. Its naturally rounded habit creates structure without demanding constant shaping, and mature stems add subtle winter interest with the peeling bark ninebarks are known for.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Donna May’
Common Name: Little Devil Ninebark
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Growth Habit: Compact, upright-rounded, multi-stemmed shrub

Little Devil Ninebark Additional Information

Little Devil Ninebark typically grows into a dense, rounded shrub with small burgundy to deep purple leaves that hold strong ornamental value from spring through fall. In late spring to early summer, rounded clusters of pinkish-white flowers appear along the stems, creating a bright contrast against the dark foliage. These blooms may be followed by small seed capsules that add additional texture as the season progresses.

This shrub is deciduous, dropping its leaves in fall and revealing the layered, peeling bark on older stems during winter. Its compact size suits foundation plantings, low informal hedges, mixed shrub borders, mass plantings, and specimen accents. Light pruning is best done shortly after flowering if shaping is desired, since ninebark blooms on older wood. Selective thinning of older canes can help maintain an open, healthy form over time.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Little Devil Ninebark in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Set the root ball level with the surrounding soil, backfill firmly, and water thoroughly after planting.

2. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, provide supplemental water during extended dry periods, especially in hot weather or fast-draining soil.

3. Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone to conserve soil moisture and moderate temperature. Keep mulch slightly away from the main stems.

4. Pruning: Prune shortly after flowering to shape the plant or remove damaged and crossing stems. For renewal, selectively remove a few older canes near the base rather than shearing heavily.

Related Resources

FAQs

How big does Little Devil Ninebark get?
Little Devil Ninebark typically reaches about 3–4 feet tall and wide, making it much easier to use in smaller landscapes than many full-size ninebark varieties.
Does Little Devil Ninebark need full sun?
It grows in full sun to partial shade, but full sun usually gives the richest foliage color, strongest flowering, and densest overall shape.
When does Little Devil Ninebark bloom?
Little Devil Ninebark blooms in late spring to early summer with rounded clusters of small pinkish-white flowers that contrast nicely with the dark foliage.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Lush Foliage
Full Sun
Plant Spacing

Mature Height	Medium: Up to 4 ft
Mature Spread	0-5 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate
Botanical Name	Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May'
Bloom Time	Early Summer
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Rosaceae
Flower Color	Blue/Purple, White
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#3 Container

Map of the United States with all 50 states shaded green to show full coverage.

Growing Zones 3-7 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -40)

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Rating
Mature Height	Small: Up to 15 ft	Extra Large: Above 6 ft	Small: Up to 15 ft	Large: Up to 6 ft	Small: Up to 15 ft	Large: Up to 6 ft
Mature Spread	5-10 ft	5-10 ft	5-10 ft	0-5 ft	5-10 ft	5-10 ft
Growth Rate	Fast, Moderate	Fast	Fast, Moderate	Fast	Moderate	Fast, Moderate
Bloom Time	Late Spring, Early Spring, Early Summer	Early Summer	Early Summer	Early Summer, Late Summer	Mid Summer	Late Spring, Early Summer
Deer Resistant	Usually	Usually	Usually	No	Usually	Usually
Flower Color	Pink	White	White	Pink	Blue/Purple	White
Family	Caprifoliaceae	Rosaceae	Rosaceae	Rosaceae	Oleaceae	Adoxaceae
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	10, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	5, 6, 7, 8
Light Needs	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Maintenance	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low