Summer Wine® Ninebark

Summer Wine® is the Seward ninebark, a deciduous shrub with dark burgundy foliage, white flowers, and rounded growth that matures into arching, fountain-like branches. It provides foliage contrast in mixed borders and seasonal interest as leaves change color. ## Growing Conditions The [Proven Winners ColorChoice plant page](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/plant/summer-wine-ninebark/) gives a mature range of 5–8 feet tall and wide and identifies the cultivar as Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’. It performs in full sun and can tolerate part sun, adapts to many soils, and established shrubs tolerate some drought. Use it as a specimen, in mixed borders, as a low hedge, or for seasonal foliage contrast; its branches also work as cut foliage. The existing catalog dimensions and USDA zones 3–7 remain supported. ## Maintenance Regular pruning is unnecessary. If shaping is desired, prune just after spring flowering and periodically remove some of the oldest stems at ground level in late winter.