I'm located about an hour north of Toronto. This plant was here when we moved in. I've only pruned it back a couple of times & would like to know what it is, so I can prune at the right time & look after it properly. It starts out with green leaves in the spring & after about a month they start to gradually turn a 'purpley'-colour. Then the clusters & the blossoms happen. The blossoms turn pink afterwards & then die off & turn a dark colour. These pictures were taken mid-June. Thanks for any help.
Looks like Diablo Nine Bark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diablo') http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=A256 Ian
The spelling is Diabolo and it is a registered trademark used to sell the 'Monlo' cultivar. There is no ninebark cultivar called 'Diablo'. http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1926/diabolo-ninebark.php
Thank you so much Ian & Ron!!! This plant has been a mystery to me since we moved here almost four years ago. I love it...the changing colours of the leaves & the blossoms...and the way it bends & droops...it's just beautiful. Thank you so much...very much appreciated!! Lynda
