With its upright, arching branches and dark chocolate to purple foliage, Diabolo^® ninebark offers a color contrast with silver-leaved plants and makes a fine backdrop hedge. Clusters of button-like, pinkish white flowers appear in summer. Even when they fade to a tawny tone, they stand out nicely against the dark leaves. —Chris McKernan, Regional Picks: Lower Plains, Fine Gardening #120

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DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
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Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

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- 38 x 7 x 7 inches
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Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo

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DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set

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- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
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Noteworthy CharacteristicsDark foliage, interesting bark

CareProvide full sun to partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soil.

PropagationStart new plants from greenwood cuttings in summer, or remove rooted suckers in spring or fall. Alternatively, sow seed in containers outdoors in spring or fall.

ProblemsNothing serious. When grown in partial shade or with excessive heat, the foliage may turn dark green.

• Genus : Physocarpus
• Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
• Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
• Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
• Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Characteristics : Interesting Bark, Showy Foliage
• Maintenance : Low
• Moisture : Medium Moisture
• Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
• Plant Type : Shrubs
• Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
• Flower Color : White