Ninebark

An excellent native shrub for year-round interest, the arching branches of Common Ninebark give this shrub a full, mounded shape. Five petaled flowers appear in dense, spirea-like clusters in spring, and give way to clusters of reddish-pink capsules. The clusters eventually turn brown and persist into the winter. The leaves are yellow in the fall. Named for its unusual bark which peels in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown inner bark, Ninebark is a popular 'winter interest' shrub.

Physocarpus opulifolius makes an excellent hedge plant and provides good erosion control. Both short and long-tongued bees can access the flower nectar. Mining bees are known to be frequent pollinators of ninebark flowers.

 

Planting and Cultivation Notes

Common Ninebark has "perfect flowers," meaning that both male and female parts are contained on a single flower. The male and female flower parts develop in sequence, and the flowers themselves are self-infertile. Three plants are recommended for a reliable fruiting. Plants can be divided in the early spring, with a sharp spade, chopping right through the middle. Softwood and hardwood cuttings are easy to root.

 

Soil Type	Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Moisture	Dry, Medium, Moist
Sun Exposure	Full Sun, Partial, Shade
Height	5' - 10'
Bloom Color	White, Pink
Bloom Time	May, June
Spacing	5' - 10'
Hardiness Zones	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Root Type	Fibrous
Benefits	Birds, Butterflies, Pollinators, Host Plant