The foliageyellow, green, or reddish leavesforms an attractive cascading mound.
The red fruit in late summer and autumn attracts birds.
Ninebark is best planted in the early spring while still dormant.
Ninebark diaboloMarina Denisenko / Getty Images
It is usually sold as a potted nursery specimen.
Ninebark Care
Ninebark is an easy-to-care-for shrub with minimal needs.
It will flower best in full sun.
Ninebark Dart’s GoldNadezhda Tonkova / Getty Images
Providemulcharound the base every year to help the plant retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Water
Ninebark will grow in both dry and wet locations.
Its water requirements are generally low, and once established, it makes a very gooddrought-tolerant shrub.
Ninebark - Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Center Glow’Photo Provided by Bailey Nurseries.
It also withstands poor drainage and occasional flooding.
In a hot and humid environment, it is susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew.
Fertilizer
If you’ve planted the shrub in nutrient-rich soil, annual fertilization might not be necessary.
It will be enough toadd a layer of compostto the soil around the plant in the early spring.
Types of Ninebark
Ninebark is available in many sizes, including dwarf varieties.
There are also varieties with different leaf colors, the most common being purple and yellow.
Pruning
Ninebark tends to bounce back well after pruning.
At each pruning, cut no more than one-third of the branches.
Focus on older and damaged branches, as well as those that cross and rub each other.
Propagating Ninebark
Ninebark can be propagated from hardwood cuttings or by layering.
Use a container at least 24 inches wide and deep and with large drainage holes.
Keep the shrub well-pruned to control its size.
The shrub is susceptible toaphids.
Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock them off.
Fireblight,powdery mildew, and leaf spots may occur, but are rarely fatal.
Most diseases can be controlled by promptly removing the affected branches.
How to Get Ninebark to Bloom
Bloom Months
Ninebark blooms in May or June.
How Long Does Ninebark Bloom?
The pinkish-white flowers grow in dense clusters.
The flowers have a sweet scent that attracts pollinators.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Ninebark needs ample sunlight to bloom prolifically.
Consider pruning nearby trees and shrubs that cast shade on the shrub to increase sun exposure.
The range extends well into Canada.
Yes, ninebark spreads by underground runners, but its growth is easily contained.
As a native shrub, it is not invasive.
Depending on the variety, ninebarks can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
