Thursday, September 17, 2009

Notes on Coppertina Ninebark

 
I have been waiting for my Coppertina
(Physocarpus opulifolious) 
to put on it's fall glow but no such luck as of mid September.
The drought tolerable Coppertina has to be one of my all time favorite shrubs to have growing in our landscaping.  I was given  this 'shrub' in a little 2" pot about 3 years ago at a Plant Quest Tour in Michigan.  Of course I stuck it in the ground in a random location thinking it wouldn't survive being so small and lack of water for week.  Little did I know it would become one of my prized eye catchers in our garden.   
Early summer the shrub is filled with pink blooms that turn to a deep red during it's short bloom time. In the collage to the left I show it paired with sedum ground cover in one of my dry rock beds. 
The photo on the right was taken just after I trimmed the Coppertina shortly after the bloom time.  I want to keep it shaped in this landscape area but it could easily be let go for low maintenance.  I do believe the this bronze foilage is truly a warm welcome to our front landscaping.   What better way to say ' WELCOME' to any home. 
Silly little Seymore sitting out on a rock near the pond.  I don't think he knew I could see him watching me this morning as I water all the newly planted Fall  Chrysanthemums. I will have to share those with you on another day.  



14 comments:

tina said...

It is most pretty. I got one this summer in Jackson for a low $3. It was 5 feet tall but pot bound-hence the low price. So far it is struggling. I'm told they are most easy to propagate from cuttings. I can't wait until mine fills in as yours. It looks like a great spot.

Bren Haas said...

Tina - WATER WATER WATER.... they really need water that first year.
You got a great deal on a fabulous grower. I hope you blog about it as it grows. Happy Gardening!

Christina said...

My Coppertina looks just like yours right now. Changes yet in the NW either! Love that plant though.
I should take Tina's tip and make some cuttings.I better hurry!

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

'Coppertina' is lovely. Physocarpus are some of the best shrubs. I have the ginormous 'Monlo' (Diabolo), which has a few leaves starting to turn red, but won't reach its peak color until the middle of October.

Anonymous said...

I love my 'Coppertina.' It's still rather small but has great promise. It looks like yours is planted in a very complementary setting. Might as well take advantage of all its attributes. Cute kitty!

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

I really like the Coppertina! I am glad it has done well for you. That sparkley copper color is just great!

L. D. said...

Seymore is such a sweet cat. They are so sneaky thinking no one can see them, coming up from behind you, or peaking around a corner. I have never heard of the plant but it is beautiful.

Jennifer AKA keewee said...

I love the look of Coppertina, and have added it to my list of plants I want in 2010

Genevieve said...

Brenda, I love Coppertina as well! I use them for a lot of clients and everybody really enjoys them. I love how graceful their habit is and how the light shines through them.

nonizamboni said...

I just love your blog!
And that Seymour dozing away. I'll be back for the mums.
It is starting to look very much like autumn here and I'm guessing it is in Ohio.
Thanks for making my day, Bren :O)

Anonymous said...

Bren, your Coppertina looks lovely, and I hope my ninebark looks as well when I finally put it into the ground. I found it on clearance, and it looks a bit ratty for now. I want to put it around the new deck we are building next spring, so I'll probably plunk it into the ground pot and all for overwintering since the spot isn't ready yet. Hope it works!

Far Side of Fifty said...

Very pretty Ninebark..it should give you a jump start on fall color! :)

donna said...

Nice post about the lovely Coppertina....even the name is nice.

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

Love the pic of Seymore on the rock.

That Coppertina is really nice.

Thanks for visiting my blog. :-)