How To Grow Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

How do you grow Physocarpus?
How long does it take Ninebark to grow?
How do you care for Physocarpus Opulifolius?
How do you plant Ninebark bushes?
Is Physocarpus Opulifolius poisonous?
Is Ninebark poisonous to dogs?
Can I cut Ninebark to the ground?
How often do you water Ninebark?
How far apart do you plant Ninebark?
Can you hard prune Physocarpus?
What looks good with Ninebark?
Is Physocarpus Opulifolius diabolo Evergreen?

How do you grow Physocarpus?

Physocarpus are best planted in well-drained soil of clay, loam and sand within an acidic or neutral PH balance. Allow room for your shrub to spread out and develop to its fullest extent.

How long does it take Ninebark to grow?

In just one year of growth, many ninebark varieties can reach their mature size. The rapid growth of these plants can be gratifying but also a deterrent for some people, since they may get a little too big in size. Luckily, ninebarks are amenable to pruning.

How do you care for Physocarpus Opulifolius?

Best in moderately fertile, humus-rich, acid soil in full sun. Will tolerate alkaline soils, but chlorosis may occur if grown in shallow chalky soil. Leaves will turn green in high heat or partial shade.

How do you plant Ninebark bushes?

Planting requirements for ninebark are similar to any woody landscape shrub. Dig a hole as deep as the nursery container and twice as wide. 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.

Is Physocarpus Opulifolius poisonous?

Is Physocarpus 'Little Devil' poisonous? Physocarpus 'Little Devil' has no toxic effects reported.

Is Ninebark poisonous to dogs?

The USDA does not list it as poisonous nor does the ASPCA. A tea from the leaves, berries or bark is a purgative (something that causes diarrhea).

Can I cut Ninebark to the ground?

Cut branches nearly down to the ground.

It is important to cut any branches you remove near the ground. Otherwise, they may hinder the growth of the ninebark and they will affect the appearance of the shrub as well. You can even cut the entire shrub nearly down to the ground if it is out of control.

How often do you water Ninebark?

Provide about one inch of water each time you water your ninebark. After its first year, the ninebark can tolerate dry conditions better. In spring when buds begin to emerge, it's time to feed your ninebark shrub with all-purpose fertilizer.

How far apart do you plant Ninebark?

When planting your Summer Wine Ninebark as a border plant or when mass planting, spacing should be 72-84 inches, center on center. Spacing properly will ensure the health of your plant and it will prevent crowding.

Can you hard prune Physocarpus?

If you are pruning entirely for foliage effect, the method will be the same as for late-flowering shrubs: prune the shrub hard back all over. This encourages lush foliage production. Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold' would be an example. You'll be sacrificing its flowers, but they are of no account anyway.

What looks good with Ninebark?

Companion Planting and Design

In a mixed shrub border, grow ninebark with other deciduous shrubs, such as lilac and spirea. Use different colored ninebarks in the back of a perennial flower border to show off the brightly colored perennials such as coneflowers and bee balm.

Is Physocarpus Opulifolius diabolo Evergreen?

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' is a stylish deciduous shrub, grown for its rich purple foliage. It also bears pretty pink-flushed white flowers on arching branches in early summer, followed by glossy red seedheads in autumn – both contrast beautifully with its leaves.