Bog Birch vs Diablo Ninebark - TreeTime.ca

Bog Birch vs Diablo Ninebark

Betula pumila

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bog Birch
Diablo Ninebark

Bog Birch is a hardy, deciduous shrub native to North America. It thrives in wetlands, riparian zones, and boreal forests, and can be found as far north as the Arctic Circle—making it one of the few woody plants to grow in such extreme climates.

In Western Canada, it is especially common in moist lowlands, along streambanks, and in peatlands. Beyond its ecological role in stabilizing soils and supporting wildlife, Bog Birch is frequently used in reclamation and restoration projects due to its resilience and ability to establish quickly in disturbed or degraded landscapes.

Note: We use Bog Birch for Betula pumila. This species is also known by many other common names, including Dwarf Birch, Swamp Birch, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Diablo Ninebark is a small, low maintenance, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or color to any yard. This plant grows dark purple leaves in the spring and grows slightly faster than Common Ninebark. It features flaky red to brown bark, clusters of white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves. Diablo Ninebark can make a dense and colorful hedge, or it can be an attractive ornamental by itself.

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $4.99 - SAVE UP TO 44%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: reddish-purple
Fall colour: red-orange
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: brown to red, exfoliating
Flowers: white
Berries: red
Seeds: inflated seed capsules
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch
Other Names: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark