Physocarpus Sweet Cherry Tea – Compact Ninebark Shrub

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Sweet Cherry Tea' is a stunning compact Ninebark from the popular Tea® series, prized for its rich cherry-burgundy foliage that provides striking colour throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, clusters of delicate pink-tinted white flowers appear along the arching stems, creating a beautiful contrast against the dark leaves and attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden.

This hardy deciduous shrub is well suited to mixed borders, small gardens and containers, offering year-round structural interest. The foliage transitions through shades of deep cherry-red before dropping in autumn to reveal attractive exfoliating bark, adding winter appeal. Easy to grow and low maintenance, 'Sweet Cherry Tea' is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for reliable colour and form without the need for constant attention.

What's Included:

• 1 x Physocarpus Sweet Cherry Tea Ninebark Plant supplied in a 3 Litre Root-Ball

Key Features:

• Rich cherry-burgundy foliage throughout the growing season


• Clusters of pink-white flowers in late spring to early summer


• Compact growth habit, ideal for smaller gardens and containers


• Attractive exfoliating bark provides winter interest


• Low maintenance and easy to establish


• Pollinator-friendly – attracts bees and beneficial insects

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Physocarpus opulifolius 'Sweet Cherry Tea'


• Common Names: Ninebark, Sweet Cherry Tea Ninebark


• Classification: Deciduous Shrub


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: 90–120 cm × 90–120 cm


• Growth Habit: Compact, Bushy, Gently Arching Deciduous Shrub


• Perfect For: Mixed Borders, Small Gardens, Patio Containers, Specimen Planting


• Flowering Time: Late Spring to Early Summer


• Planting Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade


• Soil: Moist, Well-Drained – Tolerates a Range of Soil Types


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy


• Attracts: Bees, Pollinators & Beneficial Insects


• Type: Hardy Deciduous Flowering Shrub


• Foliage: Deep Cherry-Burgundy, Broadly Oval Leaves

Planting & Care:

• Plant in a position with full sun for the best foliage colour; partial shade is also tolerated


• Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to most soil types


• Water regularly after planting until well established


• Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh, colourful growth


• Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds

Notes: This listing is for the Sweet Cherry Tea variety, known for its distinctive deep cherry-burgundy foliage and compact growing habit.