Physocarpus opulifolius 'Calico Kitty'

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Calico Kitty': Variegated Foliage that Brightens Every Border

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Calico Kitty' is a standout ninebark grown for its lively, multi-toned foliage that looks like it’s been hand-painted. New growth emerges with warm blush and creamy highlights, then settles into a bright mix of green and cream that keeps borders looking fresh all season. In spring, soft clusters of pale flowers add a gentle bloom moment that complements the foliage without stealing the show. Hardy, adaptable, and full of personality, it brings instant colour and structure to the landscape.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 4–5’
• Spread: 3–4’
• Flower Colour: Soft white to pale pink
• Flowering Period: Spring
• Foliage: Variegated green and cream with blush-toned new growth
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for mixed shrub borders, foundation plantings, and bright hedging where foliage colour can carry the design from spring through fall. It’s especially effective beside dark evergreens, purple-leaved shrubs, or deep-toned perennials, where the variegation reads crisp and intentional. Like other ninebarks, it adds dependable structure and seasonal interest, and it holds up well in real-world landscape conditions once established.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the strongest colour, with part shade helpful in hotter exposures. Water regularly during the first season to establish, then water during extended dry spells to keep growth lush and steady. Prune right after flowering if shaping is needed, and every few years remove a few older stems at the base to refresh the shrub and maintain a full, vigorous habit. Mulch helps conserve moisture and supports healthy roots.

History: Ninebark is a tough North American native shrub valued for its resilience, seasonal structure, and landscape reliability. 'Calico Kitty' was selected to add a brighter, more decorative foliage look to the category, offering variegation and blush-toned new growth while keeping the durability that makes ninebark such a dependable choice.

Final Thoughts: If your planting needs a shot of colour that lasts beyond the flower season, Calico Kitty delivers cheerful foliage, easy structure, and a fresh, designer-friendly finish all summer long.