Most Ninebarks have a bit of a wild or leggy look to them. Little Joker is different because it was bred for a much more controlled, sophisticated appearance. The leaves are significantly smaller and more deeply lobed than other varieties. This gives it a delicate, fine-textured look that resembles a Japanese Maple or a high-end perennial. One of its best-kept secrets is its bright red stems. In the winter, after the leaves fall, those reddish stems against the peeling bark provide a great architectural look in a snowy or dormant garden. Because the leaves are so dark (burgundy-purple), the creamy-pink flower clusters pop much more intensely than they do on the lighter-colored 'Dart's Gold'.