Physocarpus 'Dart's Gold'

The pollen parent of P. opulifolius 'Center Glow', 'Dart's Gold' is a highly colorful, compact, mounded ninebark cultivar that provides the garden with 3 seasons of interest. This spreading deciduous shrub, closely related to genus Spiraea, blooms in spiraea-like clusters of small, spherical, pink-tinged white flower "buttons" set against maple-like bright golden yellow leaves in late spring. The foliage matures to chartreuse by midsummer, gradually turning yellow with bronze tinting in fall. Fairly concealed most of the year, the reddish to light brown exfoliating layers of bark on mature branches add winter interest.

The bush is drought resistant, grows in a wide range of soils, including shallow rocky soil, and is a good choice for areas of erosion. Its mature size is approximately 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, but it can be pruned as desired immediately after blooming or cut close to the ground in winter for rejuvenation. Cold hardy to Zone 3, the plant is marginal in the hot and humid climates of the deep South.

Uses: Shrub Borders, Mass Plantings, Hedges, Screens, Native Gardens, Erosion Control