AT a glittering award ceremony in London recently, the Garden Retail Award 2011 for Best New Plant went to Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Little Devil’ .
It’s a relative of the larger purple leaved P. o. ‘Diabolo’ that has been so popular in recent years.
One of the major differences is that, as the name suggests, this new cultivar is a dwarf shrub, reaching only 120cm (4’) in a 10 year period and giving superb deep purple foliage during spring and summer.
Its clusters of pink, opening to white flowers in June are particularly attractive to butterflies and other insects, making it an excellent option for those practising wildlife friendly gardening.
It has no regular pruning requirements, is apparently hardy down to -30° C and, apart from shallow, chalky soils, will cope with most other garden soils.
For gardeners that have limited space, this new ornamental deciduous shrub will surely be a winner in 2012.
Ask about available stock at your local garden centre now.
