Dwarf Ninebark Bush

Ball of Green Beauty: Dwarf Ninebark Shrub

The Dwarf Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nana') is a compact native gem beloved for its naturally rounded shape and all-season interest. With a tidy, dense growth habit and finely branching form, this petite powerhouse dazzles in spring with bright white flowers followed by red ornamental seedpods that delight well into the summer months. 

Just when you think it's done showing off, its dark green foliage turns reddish-brown in fall, topped off by its signature exfoliating bark that puts on a textural winter show.

Standing under 6 feet tall and wide, Nana is a true ball of charm, perfect for small-space gardening. Its leaves are lobed and slightly serrated, giving a delicate texture to its dense silhouette.

The bark peels away in strips, revealing lighter hues beneath (hence the name!), providing visual appeal even when the leaves are gone. With such a tight, formal shape, there's no need for shearing or trimming to keep it looking sharp.

Tough as nails, this native shrub tolerates both wet and dry soils, urban conditions, and a wide range of soil pH levels. A favorite for pollinator gardens and low-maintenance landscapes, it's adored by birds and butterflies. Cold-hardy, heat-tolerant, and adaptable, the Dwarf Ninebark is one of Ma Nature's most versatile shrubs.

Key Features

• Compact, rounded form under 3 feet tall and wide
• White spring flowers followed by ornamental red seedpods
• Dark green foliage with reddish-brown fall color
• Exfoliating bark for winter interest
• Attracts butterflies and birds
• Tolerates both dry and wet soils
• Native and very low-maintenance
• Excellent in urban and small-space landscapes

Landscaping Uses

Use the Dwarf Ninebark as a small, 4-6 foot 6-foot-tall rounded shrub in gardens and urban plantings.

• Foundation plant for low borders
• Small hedge or edging shrub
• Rock Garden companion
• Patio or container plant
• Wildlife and pollinator garden inclusion
• Low-growing accent in small-space or courtyard gardens
• Perfect for the hell-strip along the sidewalk or road (see other hell-strip champs)

Care and Maintenance

As a deciduous native shrub, the Dwarf Ninebark is valued for its adaptability and year-round beauty.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall
• Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Adaptable to many soil types, including clay, loam, and sand; handles both acid and alkaline pH levels; tolerates wet and dry conditions
• Moisture Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• Mulch: A 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch is highly recommended
• Fertilization Needs: None required in rich soil; light compost in spring if needed
• Pruning Info: Blooms on old wood. Prune after flowering to shape or reduce size; avoid early spring pruning
• Renewal Pruning: Every 3-5 years, remove 1/3 of the oldest stems to the ground to rejuvenate
• Special Perks/Growing Tips:
• Deer resistant
• Pest and disease resistant
• Highly urban-tolerant
• Thrives in compacted soil
• Tolerates high and low pH

Four Seasons of Fabulous with Dwarf Ninebark

From spring blooms to red summer seedpods, fall leaf hues to peeling winter bark, Dwarf Ninebark gives and gives. Whether you're curating a pollinator haven or refining a small space, this ball of green brings texture, color, and wildlife joy all year long.

Buy now and Nature Hills will introduce you to these fantastic four-season shrubs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dwarf Ninebark deer resistant?
Yes, Ninebark shrubs like 'Nana' are generally deer resistant thanks to their fibrous bark and slightly aromatic foliage.

How big does Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nana' get?
It typically grows 4-6 feet tall and wide, forming a natural rounded mound without pruning.

Does Dwarf Ninebark bloom every year?
Yes, it blooms reliably each spring with clusters of white flowers.

Can Ninebark grow in wet areas?
Yes, Dwarf Ninebark tolerates both dry and wet soils, making it ideal for rain garden edges or soggy spots.

Is Ninebark a good shrub for small gardens or containers?
Absolutely. Its compact size and self-rounded shape make it a great fit for patios, containers, and smaller garden beds.

What USDA hardiness zones is Dwarf Ninebark suited for?
Dwarf Ninebark is cold-hardy in Zones 2 through 7.

Does it need a lot of maintenance?
Nope! It's low maintenance, adaptable, and doesn't require regular fertilization or pruning.

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