Bog Birch vs Diablo Ninebark - TreeTime.ca

Bog Birch vs Diablo Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

Betula pumila

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Diablo Ninebark
Bog Birch

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 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 Quick Facts

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: reddish-purple
Fall colour: yellow
Fall colour: red-orange
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: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark
Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch