Ninebark Shrubs (Physocarpos opulifolius)

Common ninebark is a North American native shrub, found along the east coast, from Florida to Newfoundland. The species ninebark has green leaves, while 95% of the cultivars in the nursery trade have dark colored leaves. While most cultivars are bred for their leaf color, they also have great bark characteristics, flowers, and are adaptable to many sites.

Cultivars include ‘Diabolo’, ‘Little Devil’, ‘Amber Jubilee’, and ‘Summer Wine’. There are many more cultivars; these are the most popular cultivars in landscaping. Ninebarks have wonderful year round interest. Their newly emerging foliage is often tinted yellows and oranges; summer colors range from chocolaty brown to purple to green. Butterfly attracting flowers bloom profusely in early summer, with colors from white to pink. Fall colors can be orange to yellow. In the winter, wonderful river birch-like peeling bark adds interest.

Ninebarks shine full sun but will do very well in some part shade. They prefer well drained soils, but are adaptable to wet soils and drought conditions. They are generally pest free; but may get mildews if over watered. The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. They can be trimmed in early spring to the ground, or shaped in June and September. They can be grown as hedges, as backdrops, in shrub borders, as specimen plants, or mixed into a butterfly garden for color. They are a favorite for many gardeners, adding rich dark color that does not fade through the summer.