Common Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

An excellent native shrub for year-round interest, the arching branches of Common Ninebark give this shrub a full, mounded shape. Five petaled flowers appear in dense, spirea-like clusters in spring, and give way to clusters of reddish-pink capsules …

More Detail
Plants 1 Gallon Pot
1+ $29.99 ea.
Availability: In stock
SKU
96720-GL
Cultural Details
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Moisture Dry, Medium, Moist
Sun Exposure Full Sun, Partial, Shade
Height 5' - 10'
Bloom Color White, Pink
Bloom Time May, June
Spacing 5' - 10'
Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Root Type Fibrous
Benefits Birds, Butterflies, Pollinators, Host Plant

An excellent native shrub for year-round interest, the arching branches of Common Ninebark give this shrub a full, mounded shape. Five petaled flowers appear in dense, spirea-like clusters in spring, and give way to clusters of reddish-pink capsules. The clusters eventually turn brown and persist into the winter. The leaves are yellow in the fall. Named for its unusual bark which peels in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown inner bark, Ninebark is a popular 'winter interest' shrub.

Physocarpus opulifolius makes an excellent hedge plant and provides good erosion control. Both short and long-tongued bees visit this shrub for the abundant flower nectar. Mining bees are frequent pollinators of ninebark flowers. A top choice for increasing biodiversity in the landscape, Common Ninebark is known to host numerous moths, including the Io moth, Glorious Habrosyne, Bluish Spring Moth, Hitched Arches moth, and the Large Maple Spanworm, to name a few!

Planting and Cultivation Notes
Common Ninebark has "perfect flowers," meaning that both male and female parts are contained on a single flower. The male and female flower parts develop in sequence, and the flowers themselves are self-infertile. Three plants are recommended for a reliable fruiting. Plants can be divided in the early spring, with a sharp spade, chopping right through the middle. Softwood and hardwood cuttings are easy to root.