A fast-growing habit and winter bark appeal make Ninebark shrubs garden favorites.
Ninebark (Physocarpusspp.)
is an extremely versatile plant.
David Speer.
Its fast-growing habit and appealing winter bark make ninebarkshrubs garden favorites.
The traditional ninebark foliage color is a deep purple, but new foliage colors include gold and amber.
Some varieties even fade from one color to another as they age.
Credit: Doug Smith
Ninebark flowers are almost an afterthought.
In the winter, the bark is what shines.
As the bark of the older stems ages, it peels back in layers, creating an exfoliation effect.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Recent innovations have focused on shrinking the plant size to better adapt to a home garden setting.
In smaller varieties, habits have also changed to be more upright.
They are also useful for erosion control on banks.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Choose afull-sun or part-sunlocation with well-drained, fertile soil in USDA hardiness zones 37.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the nursery container and slightly deeper.
Loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole andadd compost.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil line.
Backfill the hole and press down on the soil to remove air pockets.
If you plant multiple shrubs, space them 4 to 6 feet apart.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Light
Ninebark is at its best in full sun or part sun.
It will grow in shade, but it flowers more profusely with more light.
Mature plants don’t need much watering as long as the soil is moist.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
They don’t respond well to overwatering and are drought-tolerant.
Fertilizer
An annual tool of fertilizer in spring is sufficient for ninebark plants.
Use aslow-release, balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10.
For the amount to use, follow product label directions.
Don’t fertilize the plant in late fall or winter when it is dormant.
Pruning
Ninebarks are amenable tosevere pruning.
Prune them in early spring by removing the largest canes all the way to the ground.
During the growing season, remove any damaged stems or thin out crowded areas of the plant.
In winter, prune the plant while it is dormant for size management.
Pests and Problems
The biggest problem that ninebarks encounter ispowdery mildew.
Fortunately, it doesn’t do long-term harm.
Thinning out older stems can increase air circulation and prevent mildew.
The newer ninebark introductions are more resistant to powdery mildew.
Although rooting hormone is not necessary for ninebark plants, you may use it.
Insert the cuttings into a medium of peat and sand.
Place them outside in a shady area.
The cuttings should root in four to six weeks.
‘Dart’s Gold’ Ninebark
Physocarpus’Dart’s Gold' offers brightgolden-yellow foliageand white flowers in early summer.
It grows 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
It grows 4 feet tall and wide.
‘Coppertina’ Ninebark
Physocarpus’Coppertina' shows off coppery-purple new growth that matures to purple-red.
It grows 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
‘Center Glow’ Ninebark
Physocarpus’Center Glow' bears purple foliage with a golden-yellow center when young.
It grows 8 feet tall and wide.
‘Diablo’ Ninebark
Physocarpus’Diabolo' features rich burgundy-purple foliage and white flowers.
It grows 10 feet tall and wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ninebark plants are rapid growers that reach their full height within one year.
This large plant may be intimidating to some gardeners, but it tolerates hard pruning to a smaller size.
Without pruning, it soon becomes leggy.
Many gardeners leave their dormant ninebark shrubs untouched for the winter.
They enjoy the peeling bark that provides winter interest.
The plant’s name comes from the exfoliating bark, which was thought to peel off in nine layers.
It’s not toxic to people, either.
This shrub is deer-resistant.
ninebark will attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden.
Their flowers are an excellent source of nectar and pollen for these pollinators.
