Cultivating Ninebark: A Native Shrub Boasting Year-Round Charm and Adored by Wildlife
Rollin' with the (Ninebark) Times:
If you're on the hunt for a versatile, native shrub that'll impress year after year, ninebark ticks all the boxes. Also known as Physocarpus, this tough-as-nails native shrub is famed for its eye-catching bark, but that's just the beginning!
With striking foliage, showy blooms, decorative seed heads, and fantastic winter interest, ninebark offers a non-stop show. And the best part? It's pretty darn easy to take care of! Let's dive into how to cultivate this hardworking beauty and get some advice from the pros.
Why Ready Your Soil for Ninebark?
Ninebark isn't just a delightful addition to any garden—it's an adaptable choice suitable for a range of spaces, from small yards to big landscapes. As a North American native plant, it pumps up the party from spring blooms to dark fall foliage and fruits, with its distinct bark adding texture to your winter garden. Plus, it's a fantastic choice for encouraging biodiversity in a wildlife garden!
'Ninebark is particularly valuable for attracting pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects,' says Tabar Gifford, Customer Experience and Partnership Cultivator at American Meadows and High Country Gardens. 'Its low maintenance needs and adaptability make it a reliable and ecologically smart choice for a wide range of garden styles.'
From compact three-foot types ideal for small spaces to large shrubs that reach ten feet tall and wide, you're sure to find a variety that suits your planting scheme!
Sowing Seeds (and Soil!) for Your Ninebark
Ninebark is a relatively undemanding shrub, and the good news is that it can grow in a range of US hardiness zones from 3 to 7. You can even plant it in trickier spots!
'It's highly adaptable to a variety of soil types—from average garden soils to clay soil—and tolerates both moist and well-drained conditions,' says Tabar. 'This flexibility makes it a smart option for rain gardens, slopes, or difficult-to-plant areas.'
So what positions work best for ninebark? According to experienced gardener Stacey Hirvela, co-host of Gardening Simplified, the ideal conditions would be a good sunny spot with at least six hours of strong sunlight each day during the growing season, well-drained soil, and a nice 2-3" layer of shredded bark mulch. Ninebark can grow well in part-shade, though any display is more vibrant when the shrub gets six hours of sunlight.
Planting the Ninebark Seedling
Plant your new ninebark in early spring during its dormancy to give it plenty of time to establish roots before the summer heat. Alternatively, plant it in the fall if you've got milder winters.
Ninebark Gardening Tips from the Pros
- Watering: Since ninebark is low-maintenance, once established it can thrive with minimal intervention. However, during its first year, regularly water your new plant to promote growth. Even in following years, watering during hot and dry periods will keep your ninebark looking its best.
- Feeding: Ninebark isn't too fussy about its meals. If you've planted it in rich soil, it needs little additional fertilizing. Add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to the soil annually in spring to give it enough nutrients. Alternatively, Stacey Hirvela recommends using a general-purpose granular fertilizer to feed your ninebark in spring, like this All-Purpose Fertilizer from Walmart.
- Pruning: Pruning isn't usually necessary with ninebark and, most of the time, just a little touch is all that's needed. Prune after blooming in late spring to early summer, though this will reduce the amount of fruit on the shrub come fall. If you're growing ninebark as a hedge, trim it in spring. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and lightly trim the shrub for shape using clean and sharp pruning shears.
- Propagation: The best way to propagate ninebark is from cuttings. Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots 4-6 inches long, remove the lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a moist, well-draining medium. Hardwood cuttings can also be taken in late fall or winter from dormant wood and overwintered under protection until roots form.
- Pest Control: Ninebark generally doesn't suffer too much from pests like aphids and spider mites. However, if they become a problem, remove them with a strong jet of water, insecticidal soap, or a homemade bug spray of water and dish soap. Companion planting around ninebark shrubs with flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums can also help deter pests.
- Diseases: The most common disease of ninebark is powdery mildew. This causes a white dusting on the plant during summer and doesn't do too much damage. Thin the center of the shrub and remove older stems to boost air circulation and prevent the issue. In a worst-case scenario, use a copper fungicide spray, such as this one from Amazon, to treat the shrub. Leaf spot and fireblight can also occur, and infected branches should be removed.
FAQs
How fast do ninebarks grow?
Ninebarks are fast-growing shrubs that can reach full size within 3-5 years, depending on their initial size and growing conditions. They're thought to grow as much as two feet per year.
Is ninebark invasive?
Ninebark is not classified as an invasive plant, as most Physocarpus species are native to North America.
Is ninebark evergreen?
Ninebark is not an evergreen shrub; it is deciduous and loses its leaves at the end of each growing season.
Stay tuned for more easy-going plants in our guide to shrubs that thrive on neglect!
'Ninebark's versatility makes it suitable for various garden styles, including home-and-garden and lifestyle settings. With its low maintenance needs and ability to adapt to different soil types, ninebark can be an excellent addition to your home-and-garden, especially for those interested in gardening.'
'As you cultivate your ninebark, consider its ideal growing conditions: a sunny spot with well-drained soil and at least six hours of strong sunlight during the growing season. suitable for small yards, big landscapes, and even rain gardens, ninebark's non-stop show of striking foliage, showy blooms, decorative seed heads, and fantastic winter interest makes it a worthy choice for both home-and-garden enthusiasts and novice gardeners alike.'
