Common Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius, commonly called ninebark, is an upright, spreading, somewhat coarse, deciduous shrub which is closely related to the genus Spiraea. It may occur along streams, rocky banks, gravel bars and in moist thickets.
Easily grown in average, slightly acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun in the northern part or its growing range, but appreciates some afternoon shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Prune as needed immediately after bloom and no later than mid-August.
Plants may be cut close to the ground in winter to rejuvenate. Flowers are white to pinkish and fruits are small, dry pods hanging in drooping, papery clusters. The bark peels off in thin papery strips, resembling the number nine in shape, exposing brown inner bark which is the origin of the common name.
Larval Host for the
Ninebark beetle
5-8'
4-6'
SIZE
SOIL
Dry, Medium, Rocky
LIGHT
Part Shade, Sun
BENEFITS
NOTES
Mass in shrub borders. Effective as hedge, screen or for erosion control on banks. Native plant garden. Able to grow in harsh conditions.
CHARACTERISTICS
Showy, Drought Tolerant, Tolerates Clay, Tolerates Wet, Tolerates Black Walnut, Deer Tolerant, Good Screen
May, June
Shrub
This
flowers in
Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
Physocarpus opulifolius, commonly called ninebark, is an upright, spreading, somewhat coarse, deciduous shrub which is closely related to the genus Spiraea. It may occur along streams, rocky banks, gravel bars and in moist thickets.
Easily grown in average, slightly acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun in the northern part or its growing range, but appreciates some afternoon shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Prune as needed immediately after bloom and no later than mid-August.
Plants may be cut close to the ground in winter to rejuvenate. Flowers are white to pinkish and fruits are small, dry pods hanging in drooping, papery clusters. The bark peels off in thin papery strips, resembling the number nine in shape, exposing brown inner bark which is the origin of the common name.