Ninebark Varieties

Ninebark, known scientifically as Physocarpus, is a versatile and hardy shrub. It is popular for its attractive foliage, peeling bark, and clustered flowers. This deciduous shrub is native to North America and adapts well to different environmental conditions. Gardeners appreciate its resilience and the variety of colors it brings to landscapes.

Common Characteristics of Ninebark

Ninebark’s most distinguishing feature is its exfoliating bark. As the plant matures, the bark peels away in thin layers, revealing a range of colors beneath. This attribute is particularly noticeable in winter, adding visual interest during this season. Ninebark leaves vary in color from green to burgundy and gold, often changing hues throughout the growing season. During late spring to early summer, clusters of small, white or pink flowers bloom, followed by red or brown seed capsules.

Popular Varieties of Ninebark

Diabolo

The Diabolo variety is renowned for its deep purple foliage. This dark hue makes it an excellent contrast plant in gardens. Diabolo can grow up to eight feet tall and wide. In late spring, its pinkish-white flower clusters stand out against the dark leaves. This variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate various soil types.

Summer Wine

Summer Wine is a refined, compact version of Diabolo. It features dark red to purple leaves and reaches a more manageable height of around five to six feet. The flowers appear in early summer, providing a beautiful contrast to the foliage. This variety is ideal for small gardens or spaces requiring a smaller shrub. It also tolerates full sun to partial shade.

Amber Jubilee

Amber Jubilee is named for its vibrant, multicolored leaves. The foliage displays shades of orange, yellow, and red, transitioning to purple in the fall. This variety grows up to six feet tall and wide. It offers a unique color palette throughout the seasons, making it a standout choice for gardeners looking to add year-round interest. The flowers are a soft white, adding further visual appeal in late spring.

Center Glow

Center Glow features striking foliage with a red to burgundy outer edge and a bright yellow center. This bicolor effect creates a dynamic appearance in any garden setting. The shrub can grow up to six to eight feet tall and wide. In early summer, it produces clusters of white flowers. Center Glow thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, although it can adapt to various conditions.

Little Devil

Little Devil is an excellent choice for limited garden spaces. This compact variety grows up to four feet tall and wide. It features dark burgundy leaves and pinkish-white flowers in early summer. Little Devil requires minimal maintenance and is resistant to common shrub diseases. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile for different garden layouts.

Ginger Wine

Ginger Wine showcases rich orange to red foliage that deepens in color as the season progresses. In late spring, the shrub blooms with soft white flowers, followed by red seed capsules. This variety grows up to five feet tall and wide. It’s a vigorous grower and can adapt to various soil types, provided they are well-drained. Full sun enhances the foliage color, but it can tolerate partial shade.

Lady in Red

Lady in Red displays vibrant red stems and bright green leaves. In spring, it produces clusters of delicate white flowers. This variety grows up to six feet tall and wide and is valued for its colorful stems in winter. Lady in Red prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate different soil types. It’s especially effective as a hedge or border plant due to its striking appearance.

Coppertina

Coppertina boasts copper-orange new growth that matures to a rich red-bronze. This color transition adds seasonal interest. The shrub grows up to eight feet tall and wide, making it a substantial addition to any garden. In early summer, pinkish-white flowers appear, enhancing its visual appeal. Coppertina thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various growing conditions.

Lemony Lace

Lemony Lace is noted for its feathery, lime-green to golden foliage. This variety remains compact, reaching only around three to five feet tall and wide. The flowers are small, white clusters that bloom in late spring. Lemony Lace prefers full sun to partial shade and stands out particularly well in shaded garden areas. Its unique foliage adds texture and color contrast to the landscape.

Care and Maintenance

Ninebark is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of pH levels. Full sun enhances the foliage color in most varieties, although they can also do well in partial shade. Regular watering is crucial during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, ninebark is drought-tolerant.

Pruning is recommended during the dormant season to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. For varieties known for their colorful stems, like Lady in Red, pruning can promote more vibrant stem color in the following season. Fertilization isn’t typically necessary, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring if desired.

Pest and disease resistance are significant advantages of ninebark. They are rarely affected by pests and are resistant to common diseases such as powdery mildew. However, ensuring good air circulation by avoiding overcrowding can prevent potential issues.

Landscape Uses

• Hedges and Screens: Taller varieties like Diabolo and Coppertina create effective privacy screens or hedges.
• Specimen Plants: Varieties with striking foliage, such as Amber Jubilee and Center Glow, serve as focal points in the garden.
• Border Planting: Compact types like Little Devil and Lemony Lace are ideal for borders and smaller spaces.
• Winter Interest: The exfoliating bark and colorful stems of certain varieties add visual appeal to the winter garden.

Ninebark is a versatile and durable shrub, suitable for various garden styles. Its diversity in color, size, and form allows gardeners to choose the right variety for their specific needs. Whether used for ornamental purposes, functional roles, or a combination of both, ninebark varieties offer year-round beauty and resilience.