I am wondering if Diabolo ninebark is a native to the Pacific Northwest. I know it is a hybrid.
There are several components to consider here. Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’ is a cultivar (a cultivated variety, selectively bred for certain characteristics that differ from the plain species) of a ninebark species that is native to eastern North America. A hybrid is produced through sexual reproduction between plants of two different species or varieties, either in the wild or in cultivation. This blog post describes some potential ramifications of using ‘nativars’ (quasi-native plants) such as ‘Diabolo.’ Cultivars are not natives, but that isn’t necessarily a reason to exclude them from your garden. This link provides clear explanations, excerpted here:
“When the native plants in our yards are locally-sourced and locally-adapted, their DNA can make a positive contribution to the survival of wild plant populations. The adaptive genetic diversity they share is important because it allows native species to persist despite the rapidly changing conditions of our modern environment. […]
“When the plants in our yards are cultivars of native species, their genetic makeup is the result of artificial rather than natural selection and they possess little genetic diversity. The offspring of cultivars crossed with native plants are called hybrids. […] Once the DNA from cultivars of native plants makes it into wild populations, there is no way to dispose of it. The new DNA affects the ability of wild native plants to survive and has ramifications for all the species that interact with the native plant as well. Studies have shown that, in some cases, cross-pollination with cultivated varieties resulted in the loss of the wild relative. […]
“Sterile cultivars of native plants are benign, they can’t cross-pollinate with their wild relatives, so they pose no risk to wild plant populations. When cultivars are beneficial to ecosystems, they are good. For example, plant breeders are working to create disease-resistant cultivars of native tree species that have been hit hard by non-native invasive plant pathogens. If done with care, it is possible that such cultivars could be used to intentionally spread beneficial DNA into wild plant populations and help restore those species. […]
“When cultivars are harmful to ecosystems, we must ask whether the benefit to people outweighs the risk to native plant species and pollinator populations. Cultivars of plants aren’t just bred for ornamental use, but for food and medicinal value as well.”
If you want to grow a species of ninebark that is native to the Pacific Northwest, consider Physocarpus capitatus.