Physocarpus is a hardy, deciduous shrub known for its colourful foliage, which provides a dramatic backdrop to its clusters of small, pale flowers in spring and early summer. These frothy blooms attract a range of pollinators, while interesting textured bark and seedheads provide year-round seasonal interest. Foliage colours will be most pronounced in a full sun position, but Physocarpus will also tolerate partial shade, and grows happily on a range of soil types - making it a versatile option for many situations. Grow it as a statement shrub in mixed borders, or as a striking, informal hedge for screening.

How to plant

— Physocarpus bare root plants are suppied in spring for planting between February and May. They will need light and moisture soon after transit and should be attended to very soon after delivery. Remove from the packaging within two days of delivery and place roots in a bucket of water outside to soak, then plant within a week.

— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. If you have good, crumbly soil and a clear space ready in a border, you can plant bare root shrubs directly into the border. Dig over the area to loosen the soil and remove any weeds. Trim any more established neighbouring plants which could over-crowd the new shrub during the growing season. Dig a hole large enough to fit the root system so that the roots are fully submerged after planting. The stem and branches should remain above the soil surface after planting. Ensure the hole is the correct depth so that the soil is level with the point at which the roots meet the stem.

— You can mix some organic matter like compost or leaf mould into the planting hole to improve texture and nutrient levels in the immediate area. Doing this provides a softer medium and extra boost of nutrients for the new roots to settle into and to help the shrub grow. Avoid adding manure to the planting hole as this can be too rich and damage the young roots. If you want to apply manure, this can be added to the soil surface after planting.

— Position the shrub in the hole with the most attractive side facing into the garden. once the shrub is in place, backfill the hole and firm down. Water thoroughly straight after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

— If your borders have challenging growing conditions/poor soil (heavy clay or light sandy soil) or if the border isn't ready for planting, you can pot up your bare root shrub so it can establish before transferring into a border later in the year. Pot up into a 20-30cm temporary pot using multipurpose or soil based compost. Ensure the roots are fully submerged and the stem is exposed above the soil surface. Water thoroughly and allow it to grow-on in a sheltered position outside. The shrub can be transplanted to a border once growth is established and the plant easily comes out of the pot with the soil held instact by the roots.

— When planting into the garden, choose a position which is in full sun or very light/partial shade, with moist but well-drained soil.

— This shrub is deciduous and will lose its leaves in autumn. It is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.

— Water after planting and continue watering regularly for the first year while the shrub settles in. Once established, watering is only necessary during particularly dry spells.

Aftercare

— Physocarpus is supplied while dormant and will not usually have any leaves on arrival. Leaves will usually emerge by around April.

— Water regularly in the first year so that the soil is consistently damp. In dry spells it is better to give a good, deep watering less often, than frequent light watering which may not reach the roots.

— Prune after flowering, to maintain shape and encourage even branching. Up to a third of the oldest stems can be cut back to the base, to encourage new growth.

— Remove dull-coloured or thick stems, leaving newer, more vibrantly coloured stems in place.

— Regularly remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches to maintain an open and well-shaped habit.

— Apply a mulch of organic matter in winter or spring, to feed the shrub and maintain moisture in the soil.

— To rejuvenate old or neglected shrubs, cut back hard down to around 10cm from the base in winter.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root shrubs