The ‘Raspberry Lemonade’ Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘SMNPOQ’) is a popular deciduous shrub. It is valued for its dynamic foliage colors and adaptable nature, offering a vibrant display throughout the growing season. Its relatively easy care requirements make it a favored choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet striking plant.
Distinctive Features and Visual Appeal
The ‘Raspberry Lemonade’ Ninebark is celebrated for its distinctive foliage, which undergoes a captivating color transformation. In spring, the fine-textured leaves emerge in bright golden-yellow or chartreuse tones, often accented by reddish hints in new growth. As summer progresses, the foliage matures to a bright chartreuse, providing a lively backdrop. This vibrant display can sometimes shift to include orange hues in autumn, extending its seasonal appeal.
This ninebark produces clusters of small, white, spirea-like flowers in late spring to early summer, often emerging from shell pink buds. These blooms are followed by ornamental coral-red berries that persist from late summer into mid-fall, contributing to the plant’s namesake. For winter interest, the shrub develops exfoliating, peeling tan bark on its mature stems, revealing layers beneath. The ‘Raspberry Lemonade’ Ninebark typically grows to a compact size, reaching about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide with a dense, mounding habit.
Planting and Environmental Needs
Successful establishment of ‘Raspberry Lemonade’ Ninebark begins with proper site selection. This shrub thrives in full sun, which promotes the most vibrant foliage coloration, though it can tolerate partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It is adaptable to a wide range of well-draining soil conditions, including clay, loam, sand, and silt. The plant prefers a soil pH that is slightly acidic to moderately alkaline, typically between 6.0 and 7.5.
The optimal time for planting ‘Raspberry Lemonade’ Ninebark is during spring or early fall, allowing the plant sufficient time to establish its root system before extreme temperatures. When planting, dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the plant’s root ball but no deeper than the container it came in. Position the shrub so that the top of the root crown is slightly higher than the surrounding ground level.
For multiple plants, spacing them approximately 4 feet apart ensures adequate room for growth and air circulation. After planting, thorough initial watering is important to help settle the soil around the roots. This ninebark is notably hardy, performing well in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.
Ongoing Care and Pruning
Once established, ‘Raspberry Lemonade’ Ninebark is considered a low-maintenance shrub and becomes moderately drought tolerant. During its first growing season, consistent watering is beneficial, especially during dry periods; a general guideline is to water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. After the initial establishment phase, watering frequency can be reduced, as the plant can withstand some dry spells.
Fertilization is typically minimal for this ninebark; however, applying a balanced or flower-boosting fertilizer in spring can support its growth and vibrant coloration. Pruning is best performed after the shrub has finished flowering, as it blooms on old wood. This timing helps preserve the current season’s flower buds and ensures a good bloom the following year.
While its compact nature means extensive pruning for size control is often unnecessary, shaping can be done, and any dead or damaged branches should be removed in early spring. For rejuvenation, older branches can be cut back every few years to encourage new, more vigorous growth. This cultivar also exhibits good resistance to common diseases and insect pests.
Landscape Applications and Design
The ‘Raspberry Lemonade’ Ninebark offers considerable versatility for garden design, making it suitable for a range of landscape applications. Its compact size and appealing mounding habit allow it to function effectively as a specimen plant, drawing attention with its year-round interest. It integrates well into mixed shrub borders, providing a bright contrast to plants with darker foliage or more subdued colors.
This ninebark can also be used for creating natural hedges or privacy screens, especially when planted in groups. Its adaptability extends to urban environments and container plantings, where its tidy form and vibrant hues can brighten patios or small spaces. When selecting companion plants, consider those that complement its changing foliage, such as:
Other ninebark varieties
Spirea
Boxwood
Weigela
Blue spruce
Perennials that make excellent partners, adding texture and color, include:
Coral bells
Hostas
Yarrow
Coneflowers