Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, known for its distinctive, peeling bark that gives it its common name, appearing as if it has several layers or ‘nine barks’. This plant typically grows to heights and widths of 5 to 10 feet, though size can vary with cultivar. It’s prized for its ornamental value, featuring lush foliage that can range from green to vibrant shades of burgundy, yellow, or variegated, depending on the variety.
In spring, ninebark produces clusters of small, white or pink flowers that not only add to its aesthetic appeal but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Following the bloom, it develops small, red, berry-like fruits that are a food source for birds, enhancing its ecological value. The plant’s adaptability to various soil types, including challenging clay soils, and its tolerance for both full sun and partial shade make it a versatile choice for many garden settings.
Ninebark is highly valued in landscape design for its durability and low maintenance needs. Once established, it’s drought-resistant and can handle a range of conditions from wet to dry soils. Its colorful foliage provides year-round interest, particularly in winter when the bark’s peeling layers offer texture and color. Cultivars like ‘Diabolo’ or ‘Summer Wine’ with their dark leaves can serve as focal points, while varieties like ‘Little Devil’ or ‘Tiny Wine’ cater to smaller garden spaces, offering both privacy and beauty with minimal care.
Ninebark Varieties
‘Diabolo’ (syn. ‘Monlo’)
Known for its dramatic, deep burgundy foliage, ‘Diabolo’ adds a bold accent to gardens. It grows to about 6-8 feet tall and wide with white flowers in spring, followed by red seed capsules. This cultivar is especially popular for its striking contrast against lighter plants or in darker garden schemes.
‘Summer Wine’
A more compact version of ‘Diabolo’, ‘Summer Wine’ reaches about 5-6 feet in height and spread. It features wine-red leaves that turn slightly green in summer but maintain their color throughout the season. Its smaller size makes it ideal for urban gardens or smaller landscapes.
‘Little Devil’
This is a dwarf cultivar, growing to just 3-4 feet in both height and width, making it perfect for small spaces or as a low hedge. It has dark purple foliage, similar to ‘Diabolo’, and produces white flowers in late spring.
‘Amber Jubilee’
‘Amber Jubilee’ is celebrated for its foliage that changes from orange in spring to yellow and then amber in fall. It grows to about 5-6 feet tall and wide, providing a colorful display throughout the seasons. White flowers add to its ornamental appeal.
‘Coppertina’
With leaves that emerge copper in spring, transitioning through shades of orange to rich burgundy, ‘Coppertina’ is a visually dynamic plant. It can reach up to 8 feet high and 10 feet wide, with pinkish-white flowers in summer.
‘Center Glow’
‘Center Glow’ offers a unique variegation with leaves that have a bright golden center surrounded by a burgundy margin, creating a glowing effect. It grows to around 6-8 feet and produces white flowers.
‘Dart’s Gold’
This cultivar is noted for its bright yellow to chartreuse foliage, which contrasts beautifully with darker plants. It grows to about 5 feet tall and wide, with white flowers in spring.
‘Red Robe’
- ‘Red Robe’ has reddish leaves that turn greenish in summer but still retain a reddish hue. It grows to 6-8 feet and is valued for its traditional ninebark flowers and peeling bark.
‘Mindia’ (syn. ‘Lemon Candy’)
With golden-yellow foliage that holds its color well into the summer, ‘Mindia’ or ‘Lemon Candy’ brings light and brightness to the garden. It’s smaller, maxing out at about 3 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for borders or containers.
‘Ginger Wine’
‘Ginger Wine’ boasts reddish-orange foliage, offering a warm color spectrum that changes through the seasons. It grows to about 5-6 feet, with white blooms in spring.
‘Tiny Wine’
Similar to ‘Little Devil’, ‘Tiny Wine’ is another dwarf variety with rich burgundy-purple leaves. It’s even smaller, reaching just 3-4 feet in height and width, ideal for small gardens or as a container plant.
‘Seward’ (syn. ‘Summer Crush’)
‘Summer Crush’ or ‘Seward’ has deep purple foliage and clusters of pink flowers, which is less common among ninebarks. It grows to approximately 3-4 feet tall and wide, providing a vibrant pop of color.