Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Type: Perennial Shrub
Flower Structure: Half way between Umbrel and Ball-shaped
Bloom Period: Late Spring into Summer
Bloom Color: White with yellow-to-orange centers
Pollinators: Butterflies, Bees, Moths and Hover Flies
Habit: Tall, spreading clumps (5-10 feet in height, widening to 5-8 feet in width)
Light: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Hardiness: Zone 2 to Zone 8
Ships: Bare Root, 1-2 feet in height
Ship Dates: Spring shipping begins early-May, Autumn shipments start in mid-October
(Special thanks to Melissa McMasters for feature photo)
Ninebark is a treat for it’s pollinators, and for it’s human viewers, it’s not only the joy of it’s pollinator-frequented umbrel blooms that provide joy and beauty, but also it’s paper-like peeling bark, arching branches, as well as it’s red seed heads in the summer and autumn that make this a fantastic shrub for any garden.
Ninebark is also an valued host for many times of moth, including the incredible Io Moth, which resides throughout the central and eastern half of the United States and into Canada. Ninebark appreciates moist soils, and in nature is can be found growing along stream banks. It’s very adaptable to any well-watered garden space with good drainage, but is particularly ideal for rain gardens.
Dig a hole 15-18 inches deep for your Ninebark shrub, to encourage quick and even root expansion. Mixing leaf mulch into the bottom of the hole is a fantastic boost for shrubs such as Ninebark. After planting, water vigorously, and water regularly until well established. Prune to desired size once your Ninebark has reached a mature, flowering height and width.