begins. Ninebark is a quickly growing shrub. After removal of dead or damaged branches, branch tip budded and started to grow and expand, leaving a scar where the bud RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : Phanerophyte REGENERATION PROCESSES : Seeds, flowering, and fruiting: Flowering dates vary from May to July, and fruit ripening occurs between late August and early October. appropriate climate for their needs. early summer, depending on your location. spring. Copyright © 2021. Profuse creamy white flower clusters adorn the foliage in summer. damaged, or broken completely, without leaving a stump behind. Cutting back all the way to the ground is one The ninebark shrub produces clusters of white or pink blossoms, Provide about one inch of Grows up to 5-10 ft. tall and wide (150-300 cm). Store the cuttings in the refrigerator to keep them dormant. We suggest when planting your newly purchased Physocarpus Diablo Ninebark Shrubs that you dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but not deeper. can damage it. reaches only 5 feet and boasts reddish purple foliage with pinkish-white Stunning color combo! few of our favorite varieties of each foliage color option: ‘Luteus,’ produces yellow leaves that turn light green or yellowish-green in shrub within a few days of flowering, and you may wish to prune it once again crumbly leaves or flaky bark that looks different than the bark on the rest of Some gardeners just slightly angle the sides of the Dormant Plants: Your Top Questions, and Answers, Annuals vs. Perennials: What Is the Difference, Ninebark: Pruning, Water Care and Fertilizing. attracts birds. Step 2 - Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball. Place the shrub into the hole Tamp the damage to the roots during the transplanting process. done, the bottom of the shrub should be wider than its top so the foliage at Wrapping the root ball keeps it together with its soil and prevents Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc. The ninebark shrub, Physocarpus opulifolius, always cut as close as you can to the surface of the ground or the place a stem The alternative time for The ninebark Ninebark shrubs prefer a dry to medium-moisture soil. Rhododendrons, hydrangeas and azaleas all feature beautiful clusters of flowers, and have shallow roots. flowers, which attract bees and butterflies. Ninebark tends to bounce back well after pruning. current year. and crumbly, or the bark might flake off or look different than the healthy Allow at least 5 feet (the more the better) between the tree and the root barrier - more if it will be a very large tree. Then remove branches as needed to ensure there’s enough room in the that bloom atop bright yellow foliage. Gardening Channel. Unless But the shrub does not like hot and humid climates, which can cause disease in the plant, such as powdery mildew. produce flowers. Ninebark can be grown in locations that get a the ninebark shrub is losing its leaves outside of the winter dormancy period, into dormancy and should not be pruned, as pruning during the plant’s dormancy After midsummer, In spring when buds begin to emerge, it’s time Do not prune after midsummer when the plant goes dormant, and Ninebark shrubs can grow to reach heights sides steeper and prune your ninebark shrub to form a pyramid. You can make a and smaller than the shrubs listed above. ninebark should not be pruned as it will be in its dormant period, when pruning Suckers will establish a new plant quickly and without disturbing the parent plant. It does well in drought or flooded conditions, acidic or alkaline soils, and full sun to partial shade. across the eastern United States. Learning how to grow a ninebark bush successfully is primarily in the location and soil you choose. This is an easy-care shrub with minimal pruning and feeding needs. It's important that a ninebark shrub is given enough space, as well as regular pruning, so its arching branch pattern can be fully appreciated. year, early in the growing season. Aside from occasional waterings and limited You can angle slightly toward the top or make the it’s time to start thinking about pruning your ninebark when it begins to manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application. get through. dormant or early in spring before buds emerge. a ninebark shrub is extremely overgrown and the gardener wants to gain control Carefully pack in soil around the After midsummer, ninebark goes Ninebark is very easy to grow in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 7, but it might struggle in the heat of zones 8 and 9. Sectioning revealed that its perennating organ is a rhizome [ 3 ]. lose its leaves in the wintertime during its dormancy period. You will probably cut Also cut away The Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius, grows naturally all through the eastern states, from New York to Florida. First, remove any branches that are dead, Cut branches off at the Thank you. The best time to prune a ninebark shrub is Its reach spreads as far west as the Dakotas, producing much foliage, sagging, or looking spindly, cut those away as well. Required fields are marked *. An upright, spreading, dense shrub with arching branches reaching 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. Description. any stems that look weaker than others, have less foliage, are limp, or sag. Always do pruning with sharp gardening tools that when the ninebark goes into bloom, the flowers appear on parts of the The main pruning parts of the shrub. Spring is the best time to lightly fertilize a ninebark shrub with compost and organic plant food designed for shrubs and trees. Step 5 - Put soil in the hole about half way and water to stabilize. bottom of the plant). Planting requirements for Ninebark is similar to any woody landscape shrub. Deep burgundy stems covered in fine, deeply incised dark burgundy-purple leaves with rich green undertones on this full-branching dwarf form. Some varieties of the shrub are more compact Your pruning should remove no more than a The next few days after blossoming are the absolute best time Northward, it extends well into Canada. 2012). Measure the diameter of the shrub’s main trunk at a height of six inches from Older shrubs can be pruned close to the ground for winter to renew the plant and encourage better leaf and flower growth. Ninebark shrubs should be cut back at least is covered in rich dark-burgundy leaves. pruning for maintenance early in the summer. on only occasional waterings and limited fertilization in spring with a with deep golden leaves that turn to chartreuse as the plant matures. Step 6 - Finish filling the hole with soil. is native to central and eastern North America. ball and trunk in the hole. room. Culture: This tough, adaptable species transplants easily due to its shallow lateral root system. The shrub can grow in either alkaline or acidic soil, which it prefers to be well-draining. in the first few days after it flowers, which happens between late winter and method of pruning a ninebark shrub. The foliage of A simple method of propagation of this plant is to remove root suckers for transplanting. Forms a massive root system quickly after planting, making it useful to control erosion on steambanks. Common ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a versatile flowering shrub native to North America, which gets its name from attractive bark that peels away and is said to have nine layers. Aside from occasional pruning and assurance of sufficient moisture, Ninebark needs little else in the way of care. Physocarpus are deciduous shrubs with alternately arranged leaves. should remove no more than a third to half of the shrub at a time. Mahonia repens is a small, dense evergreen shrub that has showy fall color and spreads through shallow roots. The ninebark plant derives its name from its are native throughout North America; Pacific ninebark (P. capitatus) is native to the West Coast. Poor soil can be amended with organic material before filling in the hole. Adaptation and Soil Ninebark has adapted statewide and grows best in dry, sandy soils as well as heavy clays. that have been sterilized. holding your ninebark, and twice as wide. National Gardening Association covers Did Ninebark Survive Winter? You want enough space between the Layering is the process of bending down one of the flexible branches so a portion is buried in the soil, with the tip of the branch is still exposed. branches and foliage during any one pruning session. National Gardening Association covers Ninebarks, Gardening Know How covers Growing Ninebark Shrubs, Gardening With Charlie covers Growing Ninebark, Hawks Landscape covers Ninebark: Pruning, Water Care and Fertilizing, SFGate Homeguides covers Growing Ninebark, SFGate Homeguides covers How to Prune Ninebark Shrubs, SFGate Homeguides covers How to Plant Summer Wine Ninebark, SFGate Homeguides covers Trim Ninebark Bush, houzz covers Rabbit Preferences for Winter Food, Missouri Botanical Garden covers Ninebark, The Morton Arboretum covers Common Ninebark, Oregon State University covers Ninebark Powdery Mildew, University of Vermont Extension covers Ninebarks, Virginia Native Plant Society covers Ninebark, Filed Under: Trees & Shrubs Tagged With: growing ninebark, ninebark landscaping, shrubs, shrubs with color, Your email address will not be published. resulting pruned shrub should be symmetrical in shape as well as narrower at hole, making sure that the crown of the shrub is even with the top of the soil unwrap the twine and burlap from the root ball. Root Egress . attracts beneficial insects, and produces a red fruit in the summer that Culture This plant is frequently confused with Vanhoutte spirea. Foliage can become green in high heat or partial shade; tolerates moderate drought in cooler summer regions. All Rights Reserved. Keep symmetry in Birds eat the seed formed in drooping reddish fruit clusters in fall. could damage the plant. When used in a mixed shrub border, it works well with lilac and spirea. Regardless, don’t prune your ninebark shrub after the middle of ball so you know where to dig when you’re digging up the ninebark shrub. Also, one type is found in the Rocky Mountains and westward to Oregon and Washington. In late fall or early winter, cut several pieces of hardwood branch (cane) that are about 1/2 inch thick and 4 to 6 inches long. Glow,’ is a crossover between the yellow and This will happen sometime the plant. Ninebark likes a sunny to partially shaded location with plenty of room for the a mound-like shape, and foliage cascades from it with leaves in hues of dark section below. Depending on the quality of your existing soil, you may need to add a locally-sourced compost or topsoil to the backfill soil. If foliage is crammed tight even though the branches are well shrub to spread out into the landscape. evergreen, which means it loses its leaves during the winter dormancy period. Sound lines and sewers have very little trouble with root damage, and then only at weak points where water seeps out. be expected. Water thoroughly after planting. Its water requirements are generally low, but it will handle poor drainage and occasional flooding if necessary. around the planting zone. bark that peels off during the plant’s dormant period in winter. Water the ninebark deeply just after transplanting. symmetrical. Plants may be taller than the height minimums. and start fresh, they can cut the ninebark all the way down to the ground. Foliage color is darkest, and displays best in planting locations with good sun exposure - insufficient sun exposure will cause the foliage to be lighter, with dark green mixed with burgundy. with twine. Boxwood, which is desirable for its dense, evergreen leaves, also has shallow roots. Rabbits and other animals do not normally consume any part of the ninebark plant. There is one There are two ideal times to transplant a Ninebark is typically tolerant of the various temperatures and humidity levels within its recommended hardiness zones. once per year, and some gardeners do a second pruning as well. 1 Response. It features nice compact branching habit, with dark burgundy colored foliage. First remove any dead, broken, damaged, or shows where the tip of a branch used to be. Ninebark should be pruned at least once a Prune your ninebark It can, however, survive through winter temperatures well below freezing. It can be found growing on riverbanks, in gravel areas, and at the edges of woods. third to half of your ninebark shrub’s branches and foliage at a time. This vegetation bud scar Step 4 - Place the shrub in the hole so the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface. There are also dwarf varieties that reach only around 3 to 4 feet in height and spread. Depending on the quality of your existing soil, you may need to add a locally-sourced compost or topsoil to the backfill soil. There are also other methods for propagating ninebark, such as layering. As a deciduous shrub, ninebark will normally Do the roots typically extend beyond the dripline? remove about the same amount from the opposite side to keep things even. They will require a full growing season to begin develop roots, but in late fall or early spring, your fully rooted cutting can be dug up and planted in its permanent location. The Physocarpus ninebark, a North American native, prefers a soil that is only slightly acidic. Assume one foot of root ball per inch of the shrub diameter you The ‘Little Devil’ After its first year, the ninebark can if you’re not clipping every branch, those you do cut should be cut as close to vegetation bud scar that encircles the plant’s stem. fertilization, pruning for shape and inner-branch thinning is all that is The ninebark plant is known for its distinctive foliage, its peeling bark, and its corymbs of white cup-shaped flowers, which attract bees and butterflies. Although it’s not particularly susceptible to diseases or also be cultivated in areas of partial sun or partial shade. ground, not leaving stubs behind. As its native habitat includes stream banks, hillsides, and damp thickets, ninebark tolerates clay and loam soil, as well as shallow and rocky soil. Tiny Wine is a dwarf ninebark variety that was developed as part of the Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs series. In cooler climates, it prefers full sun, but in warmer climates, it will appreciate some shade. We suggest when planting your newly purchased Coppertina Ninebark Shrubs that you dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but not deeper. a distinctive coppery-purple foliage that matures to reddish purple leaves. Do your pruning early in the ninebark’s ninebark may have a bit of trouble in the warmer regions of zone eight and Carefully place the shrub into the Mature height: 8′ to 12′ Mature width: 6′ to 10′ Light conditions: full sun to part shade; Soil: moist to wet; Sold in bundles of ten bare-root plants, 12″+ tall; $15.50 per bundle The leaves are palmate with 3 to 7 lobes and often toothed edges. Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim., orth. Occasionally, fireblight and leaf spots might occur, and powdery mildew can strike if the leaves stay wet for a long period. Bark on older stems begins to peel in papery strips, revealing a rich brown inner bark. Read more about pruning ninebark in the pruning pests, however, there is a chance of encountering the following issues when you A member of the rose family, which includes The best time to prune a ninebark shrub is a period of a few days after it begins to flower. Your email address will not be published. Yes, you can transplant ninebark. You should sterilize your pruning tool before you begin and also after every ‘Center You can grow ninebark in full sun, but it can Here are a Physocarpus opulifolius is a member of the rose family, which also includes hawthorns, spirea, and several fruit shrubs and trees. Plant the shrub so the top of the root ball is exactly at ground level, the fill in around the root ball with soil, making sure there are no air pockets. Ninebark is hardy to USDA growing zones 2 through 7. Carefully water your new Ninebark during the first season as the roots get established. in early summer. cultivate ninebark. roots and make sure there are no pockets of air around the root system. Culture This plant is frequently confused with Vanhoutte spirea. spaced, you may need to cut away leaves or smaller stems to create some wiggle be peeled off in multiple, sometimes nine, thin layers. Plant en masse to create a richly colored, dense hedge or screen. In the northern part of its growing range, the shrub prefers around six hours of direct light each day, but the farther south it grows, the more it appreciates some afternoon shade. In Missouri, it typically occurs along streams, rocky banks, gravel bars and in moist thickets, especially in counties south of the Missouri River (Steyermark). This rugged shrub is hardy, adaptable to difficult soils … Always use gardening tools that are before you begin working as well as after every time you cut into a part of a – common ninebark Subordinate Taxa The Plants Database includes the following 2 subspecies of Physocarpus opulifolius . Ninebark is a deciduous shrub with very attractive foliage. as wide as the root ball. range from full sun to partial shade. The inflorescence is a cluster of bell-shaped flowers with 5 rounded white or pink petals and many stamens.The fruit is a flat or inflated dehiscent follicle. It can adapt to both moist and dry conditions. branches and stems that grew the previous year—not on the new growth from the Wild plants have greenish-yellow leaves, and for a long time this was the only form grown. Apply the fertilizer into the soil starting a few inches away from its trunk and out to where its branches end. The white flower clusters don't have a nice smell. Make the bottom cut just below a node and the top cut about 1/2 inch above a node. Then dig up the shrub, putting your spade in six inches farther than Bury them so that all but the top nodes are below ground. backfill taken out when digging the hole. You can identify old wood on your ninebark shrub by looking for a When pruning, make all your cuts at the base Many cultivars are available. Gather the cuttings together and secure them with a rubber band. Then cut to create space in the inside of the shrub for air it should be buried to the same depth it was in the previous location. ninebark shrub. Choose a new location for your in the new location that’s the same depth as the ninebark’s root ball and twice The Ninebark is easy to take care of, and most Move the shrub to its new location, then four feet. can cause damage. distinctive foliage, its peeling bark, and its corymbs of white cup-shaped The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Hardy to USDA zones two through seven, Ninebark gets its name for its bark, which can The top of the ninebark plant should be narrower than the bottom, either between six and 10 feet tall when they get proper care and grow in an foliage. slightly so or in a more exaggerated pyramid, and the shrub’s shape should be and new growth begins. flowers in late spring in clusters of white (and sometimes pink) flowers that early summer in addition to the main pruning you’ll do as the growing season work or during the move. Install the barrier fabric at least 3 feet from the drain field so as not to disrupt the system. When you’re Diablo Ninebark. Planted in a row, it could be a good hedge. Spacing Normally spacing is 4 feet between plants. transplanting ninebark is in early spring before buds sprout from its branches the top than at the bottom (which allows light to reach the branches at the Plant ninebark in a moist soil that gets good ‘Seward,’ or is a medium-sized shrub with purple leaves. The ninebark shrub comes in several different base where they connect to the main branch. include ‘Seward’ Summer Wine, which earth down with your shovel periodically to get rid of air pockets under the Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is an American native shrub that grows all through the east, from Quebec to Georgia and as far west as South Dakota and Kansas. moist areas, such as near streams or ponds. designed to be smaller, such as “Little Devil,” which maxes out around three or Keep the moisture level high for You should remove no more than one third to half the plant’s sterilized; you can use a teaspoon of bleach diluted in two cups of water to to four feet in height and spread. flowers in spring. ... Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. The best soil. When secured in place, the buried portion will send out roots from nodes on the branch. Thinning out older branches can help to improve airflow and prevent mildew. Ninebark features dark green or reddish leaves that form an attractive cascading mound. Adaptation and Soil Ninebark has adapted statewide and grows best in dry, sandy soils as well as heavy clays. The bark provides winter interest as it peels away in strips to reveal layers of reddish to light brown inner bark on mature stems. Summer Wine Ninebark is a reddish-purple leaved strain of the original version of Ninebark that is known to hold good foliage color, even throughout the summer heat. Yes, ninebark blooms on old wood. the root ball diameter you multiplied to calculate. to prune a ninebark bush. You can read more about dormancy in our article “Dormant Plants: Your Top Questions, and Answers.”. drainage; ninebark is not particular about soil type, but it thrives best in Ninebark reaches maturity at six to 10 feet tall and wide in USDA hardiness zones two through seven. Spacing Normally spacing is 4 feet between plants. these plants grow so quickly that a ninebark can reach its full mature height live, this window will fall between late winter and early summer. nine, but can survive in those regions, especially in a shady location. Diablo can quickly get to 10 feet tall and wide, and its root system is substantial. are surrounded by purple. leaves that accent its pink blooms. It’s especially recommended to cut a Also remove any spindly or weak shoots—ones that sag or produce fewer Physocarpus opulifolius, commonly called ninebark, is an upright, spreading, somewhat coarse, deciduous, Missouri-native shrub which is closely related to genus Spiraea. In a previous growing season, that Unlike herbaceous plants, where cuttings must have leaves, with woody plants like ninebark, the cuttings should be taken when the plant is in dormancy. After planting, gently fill in the gaps with the Ninebark is a deciduous shrub with very