Diablo Ninebark vs Balsors Blackberry - TreeTime.ca

Diablo Ninebark vs Balsors Blackberry

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

Rubus fruticosus Balsors

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Diablo Ninebark
Balsors Blackberry

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.

The Balsors Blackberry is a cold-hardy variety that produces very large, sweet and juicy blackberries late in the summer. They are great for baking and fresh eating.

Balsors Blackberry are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

Balsors Blackberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 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
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: reddish-purple
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: brown to red, exfoliating
Bark: has thorns
Flowers: white
Berries: red
Berries: black
Fruit size: large
Firmness: soft
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: August
Seeds: inflated seed capsules
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark
Other Names: balsors hardy blackberry, illinois blackberry