Sweet Cherry Tea Ninebark

Sweet Cherry Tea is a repeat-flowering ninebark with reddish-orange spring growth that deepens to purple, soft-pink flower clusters, and rose-red fruit. Its selection name is Sweet Cherry Tea, with the registered denomination ZLEBic5 (PP31235); the [Plants Nouveau plant page](https://www.plantsnouveau.com/plants/shrubs/physocarpus-sweet-cherry-tea) identifies breeder David Zlesak. ## Garden character This deciduous shrub grows about 3–4 feet tall and wide, with a mounding silhouette and branching that fills out naturally. Pink flowers appear in spring and return in midsummer, followed by colorful fruit. Use it near a foundation, in a mixed border, naturalized planting, or as a specimen; airy flower clusters and colored foliage can also be cut for arrangements. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun and average garden soil that stays moist but drains well. The selection is listed for hardiness zones 3–7; check local winter guidance when choosing a site. Water during establishment and extended dry periods, while avoiding persistently waterlogged soil. ## Maintenance Sweet Cherry Tea’s branching naturally builds a dense mound, so routine shaping is limited. If pruning is needed, use a light hand and preserve the stems that carry its repeat flowering. Leave some flower clusters to mature into fruit if that display is desired.