Diablo Ninebark vs Falsebox - TreeTime.ca

Diablo Ninebark vs Falsebox

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

Paxistima myrsinites

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Diablo Ninebark
Falsebox

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.

Falsebox is a native evergreen shrub found in forests, slopes, and rocky sites. Its greenery adds winter interest and provides cover to wildlife. It is used to provide ground cover, especially under established trees.

It provides shelter for small animals and birds and its inconspicuous flowers support pollinators. It is long-lived and tolerant of a range of conditions, including drought once established.

Falsebox is well suited for naturalisation projects, erosion control, wildlife gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. It is a practical addition to restoration plantings and mixed shrub communities.

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

Falsebox Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 5a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: prostrate to spreading
Spreading: layering - medium
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: reddish-purple
Foliage: evergreen, leathery leaves
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: brown to red, exfoliating
Bark: reddish-brown
Flowers: white
Flowers: small, maroon-purple, fragrant
Bloom time: summer
Berries: red
Seeds: inflated seed capsules
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark
Other Names: false box, mountain boxwood, mountain lover, myrtle boxwood, oregon boxleaf, oregon boxwood