A low-maintenance native shrub, ninebark grows best in full sun to light shade. Although it prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil, it is adaptable to rocky and clay soils and is drought tolerant once established. Here is more of what you should know about this tough plant.
Ninebarks Quick Facts
Physocarpus opulifolius and cvs.
Zones: 2–7
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
Native range: Eastern North America
Pests: Aphids
Diseases: Fire blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew
Propagation: Softwood cuttings or root suckers for transplanting
How to Grow Ninebark
Don’t underplay the bark. Ninebark gets its name from the way the older bark splits and shreds into narrow papery layers of slightly different colors. This trait is especially eye-catching in winter and gives the garden interest in the off-season.
Growing Tips:
Ninebark is versatile regarding soil types and exhibits drought tolerance, making it easy to cultivate. These plants usually prefer well-drained, acidic soils and full sunlight. However, I’ve heard they can also grow well in amended clay soils and partial shade. They are known to endure poor soil conditions and flourish in hardiness Zones 2 through 7.
Bloom time
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Flowers and fruit enhance the color show. Clusters of pretty white or pink blossoms appear for a short time in late spring to early summer, followed by inflated fruits that add a spot of red late in the season. |
Pest and Disease
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Expect a few pests and diseases. As part of the rose family, ninebarks can experience some of the same problems; fire blight, leaf spot, and aphids are occasionally troublesome. Ninebarks are considered deer resistant, which we all know is somewhat of a misnomer since deer defy such labels. Foliar chlorosis may be a problem in high-alkaline soil. |
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Powdery mildew is less of an issue on newer varieties. I have seen powdery mildew on ninebark foliage so densely fuzzy white that the leaves are barely recognizable as leaves. Mildew has yet to be an issue in our trial; however, ‘Chameleon’, Diabolo®, ‘Morning Star’, ‘Nugget’, Summer Wine®, and Summer Wine® Black have had minor infections. Only ‘Center Glow’ and Coppertina® were severely impacted by mildew in 2020; it was one thing I could not blame on the pandemic. |
| Maintenance |
Ninebark Pruning Basics
It’s a good idea to cut out dead, crossed, or leggy stems on a ninebark every year in late winter or early spring. Aside from that general maintenance, there are three solid pruning methods you can employ. But keep one important fact in mind before you start: Ninebarks flower on old wood, so any early season pruning decreases the bloom, while pruning after flowering decreases fruit.
Method 1
Selectively remove up to a third of the oldest stems each year (in late winter) over a three-year cycle. This is a stepped approach to rejuvenation and improves air circulation, which can help alleviate powdery mildew infections.
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Method 2
Give the shrub a light, postbloom shearing to head back any errant or overly vigorous stems and even out the summer habit.
Method 3
Renewal or rejuvenation pruning is a good technique for overgrown or scraggly ninebarks. Cutting all stems to the ground in late winter allows you to start over. Plants will be compact for a few years but will eventually reach their full size. Flowers and fruits for the year are sacrificed every time this is done, so do it sparingly. The exfoliating bark on older wood is also less pronounced for several years until stems gain some age.
See more
The Best Ninebark Shrubs for the Garden
Brand-New Ninebark Shrubs Showing Promise
Richard Hawke is plant evaluation manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.
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