Physocarpus, Ninebark 'Darkstar'
Best choice for gardeners seeking dramatic foliage and seasonal landscape contrast.
The Darkstar Ninebark is a striking shrub celebrated for its deep purple, nearly black foliage, offering exceptional contrast in garden designs. This compact, well-branched plant produces lovely white flowers in summer, followed by attractive red fruit, adding seasonal interest. It's an excellent choice for introducing unique texture and vibrant color to shrub borders and landscapes, creating a dynamic and visually appealing display throughout the growing season. Its mounding form and deciduous nature make it a versatile addition to various garden settings.
$26.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
857
/ 2609
#857 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Mature Height
5
/ feet
Who it's for
- Landscapers seeking high-contrast focal points for garden beds
- Busy gardeners needing low-maintenance, resilient plant options
- Homeowners wanting year-round visual interest and texture
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding annual pruning tasks
- Shady garden owners wanting consistent deep purple foliage
- Gardeners in humid climates prone to fungal issues
Performance breakdown
Foliage Contrast
Deep purple, near-black leaves provide a dramatic anchor for garden beds.
Compact Habit
Well-branched structure maintains a tidy, mounding form without constant pruning.
Seasonal Versatility
Offers a multi-stage display from summer blooms to late-season red fruit.
Pollinator Appeal
Delicate white flowers serve as a reliable magnet for local butterflies.
Climate Resilience
Hardy down to Zone 4, ensuring survival in challenging northern winters.
Landscape Utility
Ideal size for borders, providing high-impact color in a small footprint.
Key Specs
Mature Height
5 feet
Mature Spread
3-4 feet
Bloom Season
Summer
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Soil Type Preference
Well-Drained
USDA Hardiness Zone
Zone 4
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Plant Form
Mounding
Features
- Deep purple, almost black foliage for striking contrast.
- Compact and well-branched plant form.
- White summer flowers add delicate beauty.
- Attractive red fruit follows blooms.
- Enhances shrub borders with unique color.
- Attracts butterflies to the garden.
- Mounding plant form provides visual interest.
- Suitable for Zone 4 gardens.
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Physocarpus 'Darkstar®' Ninebark for its exceptional foliage color and reliable performance. The deep, near-black hue remains stable throughout summer, a significant advantage over varieties that fade. Reviewers appreciate the plant's vigorous health upon arrival and its compact, dense habit, making it ideal for smaller spaces or containers. While the Monrovia branding carries a premium price, most gardeners agree the superior quality, striking aesthetic, and easy care justify the investment. This cultivar is highly regarded as a top choice for adding dependable, dark contrast to any landscape.
Know before you buy
This shrub reaches a mature height of approximately 5 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet. Its compact, mounding habit makes it well-suited for smaller garden spaces or as a mid-border accent.
Yes, for the deepest, most intense purple-black foliage, you should plant it in a location that receives full sun. While it may tolerate some light shade, the leaf color will be most vibrant with consistent sun exposure.
Absolutely. This variety is rated for USDA Hardiness Zone 4, meaning it is highly cold-tolerant and capable of surviving harsh winter temperatures.
The Darkstar Ninebark performs best in well-drained soil. It is not overly picky about soil type, but ensuring good drainage is essential to prevent root issues.
Yes, it offers multi-seasonal interest. Beyond its dark foliage and white summer blooms, the plant produces attractive red fruit that adds texture and color to the landscape after the flowers fade.
Yes, it is a deciduous shrub, which means it will lose its leaves in the autumn and go dormant during the winter months before leafing out again in the spring.
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$27