Ninebark Bushes

Ninebark shrubs are native to North America. Ninebarks are deciduous shrubs and are botanically known as Physocarpus. The ninebark shrubs are very hardy plants and they do best in full sun or very light shade. Ninebarks are a four season shrub. They flower nicely in the spring, they have colorful foliage in the summer, they have nice vibrant fall color, and the exfoliating bark is attractive in a winter setting. Ninebark is medium sized shrub, 8 to 10 feet tall and about that wide, and they are multi-stemmed. Ninebark adapts to most soils and is easy to grow and care for. Soils that are little acidic is preferred. When established, ninebarks are drought tolerant and long lived.

Ninebarks may be pruned and thinned from time to time. Thinning out the larger and older stems would be beneficial. Thin after the ninebark goes dormant in late fall or early spring. Minor pruning on stray branches or stems can be done after the ninebark is through blooming. If desired, ninebark can be cut back to about 1 inch above the ground every few years. Ninebark is used as a specimen plant and in shrub borders.