Physocarpus Lady in Red – Hardy Bee Friendly Deciduous Garden Shrub

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' is a stunning deciduous shrub prized for its rich, deep reddish-purple foliage that emerges vibrant in spring and deepens throughout the season. In early summer, clusters of delicate pink-tinged white flowers appear, providing a beautiful contrast against the dark foliage and offering a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators. These are followed by attractive reddish seed heads that extend seasonal interest well into autumn. With its naturally elegant, arching habit and peeling bark on mature stems, this Ninebark variety adds multi-season structure and colour to any garden setting.

'Lady in Red' is a compact and manageable variety of Ninebark, making it well suited to mixed borders, specimen planting, informal hedging, or even large containers. It is fully hardy, low maintenance, and tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay. Once established, it requires little ongoing care beyond an optional annual prune to maintain shape and encourage fresh, colourful new growth.

Supplied as an established plant in a 3 litre pot, ready for planting out in the garden.

Key Features:

• Hardy deciduous shrub with striking reddish-purple foliage


• Clusters of pink-white flowers in early summer, loved by bees and pollinators


• Attractive peeling bark adds winter interest


• Low maintenance and tolerant of most soil types including clay


• Ideal for borders, specimen planting, informal hedges and containers


• Supplied in a 3 litre pot

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red'


• Common Names: Ninebark, Lady in Red Ninebark


• Classification: Deciduous Shrub


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: 150–200 cm × 150–200 cm


• Growth Habit: Compact, Bushy, Upright to Arching Deciduous Shrub


• Perfect for: Borders, Specimen Planting, Informal Hedges, Containers


• Flowering Time: June to July (clusters of pink-white flowers)


• Planting Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade


• Soil Requirements: Moist, Well-Drained – Tolerant of Most Soil Types Including Clay


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H7)


• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Other Pollinators


• Type: Hardy Deciduous Shrub


• Foliage: Deep Reddish-Purple, Lobed Leaves


• Pruning: Prune After Flowering if Required to Maintain Shape

Notes: This listing is for the Lady in Red variety, known for its compact habit and richly coloured foliage.