Little Devil Ninebark

About this plant

Little Devil Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil') is a standout selection from the First Editions® series, renowned for its brilliant, dark purple leaves that hold their color even in full sun. This compact shrub is a true garden gem, providing a striking contrast to green foliage plants and flowering perennials, making it an excellent choice for borders, foundation plantings, or mass groupings. In late spring to early summer, clusters of delicate white-pink flowers emerge, creating a lovely display against the dark foliage, followed by attractive red seed capsules that add further appeal. Its neat, upright habit requires minimal pruning, making it an effortless addition to any landscape. Hardy and adaptable, 'Little Devil' is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance shrub that delivers high impact color. Its resistance to common pests and diseases ensures a healthy and vigorous plant year after year.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Little Devil Ninebark is a low-maintenance shrub. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape or remove any dead or crossing branches. Can be cut back harder in late winter to rejuvenate the plant.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.