Cougar Cub Ninebark

Cougar Cub is a compact ninebark with bright yellow leaves that appear soon after the frost-free date, followed by white spring flowers and a short display of coral-red summer fruit. Its exact plant profile identifies the botanical selection as Physocarpus opulifolius ‘SueCKat’ PP35764 and gives a 3–4-foot mature height and spread. [Plants Nouveau’s Cougar Cub profile](https://www.plantsnouveau.com/plants/shrubs/physocarpus-cougar-cub) ## In the Landscape Use this smaller selection in foundation plantings, mixed borders, naturalized settings, or urban gardens where its early foliage color can brighten a shrub grouping. The fruits add another brief seasonal accent after flowering. Like other common ninebarks, it is deciduous and develops exfoliating bark that becomes visible as leaves fall. ## Growing Conditions The cultivar profile recommends full sun and moist, well-drained, average garden soil. Water regularly while the shrub establishes; once rooted, common ninebark tolerates a wider range of soil moisture, though good drainage remains useful. [North Carolina Extension’s ninebark guide](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/physocarpus-opulifolius/common-name/ninebark/) describes the species as adaptable in full sun to part shade and notes its flowering hedge and winter bark interest. ## Maintenance Allow the spring flower clusters to finish before pruning, since next year’s flowers form on old growth. Remove dead or damaged stems as needed and use selective renewal pruning to maintain the compact outline. Avoid routine shearing that would remove the natural flower display and developing fruit.