Little Devil™ Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May'
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Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Native, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, Non-invasive |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 2a to 8b |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Preferred Soil | Clay, Loamy, Sandy |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Bushy, Spreading, Upright |
| Blooms In | Spring, Summer |
| Flower Color | Pink, White |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Fragrant | Yes |
| Suitable Space | Indoors, Outdoors |
| Plant Name | Ninebark |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Cultivar | |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, PR |
Description
Fiery Foliage, First Editions® Little Devil™ Ninebark
- Natural Dwarf Shrub Brings So Much Color
- Outstanding, Fine-Textured Purple Foliage
- Clusters of Tiny Pink and White Summer Flowers
- Exfoliating Bark Adds Winter Interest
- Great in Cut Flower Arrangements
- Stays Small and Compact
- Beautifully Upright Branches
- Very Easy Care
- Pest and Disease Resistant
- Widely Adapted and Long-Lived
- Cold Hardy
- Native Cultivar of North America
The ideal landscape shrub gives year-round interest, stays tidy and compact and stands out with plenty of ornamental features. Meet First Editions® Little Devil™ Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May' PP 22,634).
Its glossy, red-purple foliage brings attention in any setting. Little Devil's leaves are held on red stems adding to the decorative appeal.
In early summer, tiny pink buds appear and open to tender clusters of white flowers. Butterflies love these nectar-rich blossoms. They'll look amazing in cut flower arrangements, as well.
In fall, the flowers develop into ornamental, cherry red seed capsules. Watch closely, and you'll see local songbirds come and take them as dinner.
Once the beautiful leaves fall, you'll get a chance to study the variegated striations of the exfoliating bark up close. Little Devil gives you much-needed winter interest with its interesting, peeling bark.
This dwarf variety stays smaller than other Ninebark. Gain the brilliant color and refined foliage of the beloved native Ninebark in a modern footprint.
Little Devil showcases a trim, tidy, compact shape and an upright, rounded form. With deliciously dark foliage all season, it delivers color and charm to your space.
Grow it in a large container as a wonderful garden feature!
Nothing could be easier to maintain. Little Devil can adapt to a variety of soils, and is disease, pest and mildew resistant.
It's a long-lived, American native cultivar shrub that supports local butterflies and songbirds. Frankly, it's hard to find a friendlier shrub for the home gardener.
Little Devil is also an excellent substitute for the beloved burgundy shades of Barberry. In some parts of the country, Barberry does "too well". Use Little Devil instead!
The refined foliage of Little Devil Ninebark sets it apart in any landscape. Now add in its small stature, remarkable color and easy care.
It's easy to see that this would be the perfect choice for your landscape. Spark things up with these expertly grown shrubs from Nature Hills.
Get your Little Devil Ninebark today!
How to Use Little Devil Ninebark in the Landscape
There are few shrubs that are easier to grow, hardier or more decorative than Ninebark. Little Devil gives you enhanced ornamental features, while requiring less space.
This compact shrub is smaller than other Ninebarks, so you'll find plenty of places to use it. It even thrives in large containers for many years.
Little Devil is a diminutive Ninebark variety that makes a fabulous choice for either commercial and residential landscapes. It is very useful in foundation plantings to decorate the exterior of your home. Try a single plant in a large container to draw the eye to your front door. Or, plant two on either side flanking your entryway.
You'll love the look of Little Devil used in long, low hedges to define your garden design. Plant 2 1/2 feet apart on center to create a solid screen. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next.
Try a row behind your outdoor seating on the patio, or run them down the length of your driveway. Little Devil Ninebark makes a beautiful, colorful backdrop in perennial borders.
Use them to add color to taller, mature shrubs and trees. Plant an undulating serpentine row on the south side of evergreen trees to bring life, color, flowers, butterflies and birds.
Pop one in an outdoor container, and use it to decorate your balcony, porch or deck. Who says you have to own a home to be a gardener? This cute Little Devil makes it easy to enjoy color and beautiful blooms.
#ProPlantTips for Care
Although this sweet Little Devil is very adaptable to a wide variety of climates and soil conditions, they do need to be planted in well-drained soils. The foliage color is deepest and best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Carefully water your new Ninebark during the first season as the roots get established. They will handle period of drought after that, but we recommend that you protect your investment with a medium amount of water on a regular basis.
You likely won't have to prune Little Devil Ninebark, but here are a few tips just in case. You can shape them right after flowering is finished.
This shrub blooms on last year's wood, so take care. If you wait too long, you'll miss out on next year's blooms. Before pruning, allow the spring flowers to bloom and fade fully.
Every three years or so, you can also renewal prune to encourage performance. Remove the thickest, oldest stems at ground level. You'll be leaving the thinner, younger stems in place for best flowering.
Enjoy this special small shrub in your foundation plantings, as cunning low hedges and as a beautiful containerized specimen. Order Little Devil Ninebark today!
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 3-5 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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Other Ninebark varieties
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Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMPOTW'
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Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward'
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Physocarpus opulifolius 'Jefam'
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Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMNPOBLR'
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Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMNPMS'
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The first delivery was a stressed plant but it was quickly replaced and the new plant is very healthy. I am a very happy customer.
Glad the replacement arrived in good shape and that Tiny Wine is off to a healthy start for you, Catherine. Ninebark is a tough, fast-growing shrub once it settles in, so you should see it take off quickly. Thanks for sticking with us through the hiccup.
Adjusting nicely.
Ninebark are tough adapters once they settle in, and it sounds like yours is doing just that. Tiny Wine puts on a great show once established, with the burgundy foliage really deepening as the season goes on. Thanks for the update, Theresa. The Nature Hills Team
It’s seems great but dries out quickly in this heat. Giving it plenty of water.
Ninebark are tough once established, but that first summer in the heat is the real test, and it sounds like you are doing exactly the right thing keeping up with the water. Once the roots settle in, Tiny Wine holds up well even in warmer conditions. Thanks for the update, Chris.
It died! I watered it as directed, and it shriveled up and died.
Absolutely beautiful!
Tiny Wine Ninebark has a way of stopping people in their tracks, so it is great to hear it is living up to that in your garden. Thanks for sharing, Emily. Enjoy watching it fill in!
Arrived well packed and healthy plant.Look forward to seeing it grow. I will order in the future for sure
A well-packed, healthy arrival is exactly the start Tiny Wine Ninebark needs to hit the ground running. That deep burgundy foliage really earns its place in the garden once it gets established. Thanks for the kind words, Marcia, and we look forward to growing with you again. The Nature Hills Team
As always, the quality of the plant is excellent! The color of this ninebark is so beautiful! Very pleased!
Thank you so much, Debi! We're thrilled to hear that you're pleased once again and that the Ginger Wine® Ninebark's vibrant color is bringing such joy to your landscape. It's a real standout with its seasonal foliage changes and rich tones. Your continued trust means the world to us!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Healthy plant, well packaged
Dear Margaret C.,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your plant arrived healthy and well packaged—that’s always our goal to ensure your gardening experience starts off on the right foot. Should you have any questions about care or need tips to help your plant thrive, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
My plants were healthy but they were getting smaller instead of bigger! The deer absolutely love them and the deer spray isn’t all that effective. They will have to go in my fenced backyard.
Hi Joan,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your plants! We’re glad to hear they arrived healthy, though we’re sorry to learn that hungry deer have been enjoying them a bit too much and affecting their growth. Deer love nibbling on certain plants, and even the best sprays can sometimes be less effective than we hope.
Placing your plants in a fenced backyard sounds like a solid plan to protect them. Additionally, you might consider using motion-activated sprinklers or adding natural deer repellents such as garlic or hot pepper sprays around your plants to further discourage browsing. Many gardeners find combining physical barriers with these tactics helps keep deer at bay.
If you’d like, we’re happy to recommend more deer-resistant varieties or share tips tailored to your specific plants and region—just let us know!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Shrub is still on the smaller side, but it looks like it will be a nice compact plant. I'll have to wait until next year to see it bloom. I'm pleased with it.
Dear Diane,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your new shrub! We're delighted to hear that you’re pleased with its compact size so far. Indeed, many shrubs take a bit of time to settle in before they burst into bloom, so your excitement for next year’s flowers is well-founded. To help ensure vibrant blooms, be sure to check your plant’s specific sun and soil requirements, and feel free to water consistently during establishment periods. If you ever have questions about ongoing care or need tips on boosting bloom potential, we’re always here to assist.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Shrub is still on the smaller side, but it looks like it will be a nice compact plant. I'll have to wait until next year to see it bloom. I'm pleased with it.
Dear D M.,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the shrub! We’re delighted to hear that it’s shaping up to be a nice compact plant—even if it’s still a bit on the smaller side. Patience truly pays off with nature’s timelines, and we hope the blooms next year bring you plenty of joy and color in your garden.
If you’d like tips on pruning or caring for your new shrub as it settles in, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure it thrives beautifully through each season.
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
