Diablo Ninebark vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Diablo Ninebark vs Red Alder

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

Alnus rubra

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Diablo Ninebark
Red Alder

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.

Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to western North America. Its fixes nitrogen, which enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding plants. Ideal for sites with poor soil conditions, or areas disturbed by logging, construction or fire.
It provides shade in riparian areas, creating cover for fish. Its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the foliage provides browse for wildlife. The catkins release clouds of pollen attracting bees and other insects.
The Red Alder gets its namesake from the rusty-red color the bark turns when bruised.

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 5b
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


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


Native to: BC
Other Names: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark
Other Names: oregon alder, pacific coast alder, western alder