Diablo Ninebark vs American Bittersweet - TreeTime.ca

Diablo Ninebark vs American Bittersweet

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

Celastrus scandens

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Diablo Ninebark
American Bittersweet

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.

American Bittersweet is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine with striking orange to yellow berries that persist into winter. Indigenous to North America, this vine has become so rare it is now considered a protected species.

Excellent for naturalization projects, American Bittersweet attracts birds and other wildlife. Please keep in mind that the plant is toxic to humans and should not be ingested. To ensure the attractive berries are produced, cross-pollination between a male and female plant must occur.

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans
Foliage: reddish-purple
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: brown to red, exfoliating
Flowers: white
Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: red
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Seeds: inflated seed capsules
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark