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Common Ninebark Shrub
Common Ninebark Shrub
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Physocarpus opulifolius
Common Ninebark – Product Description
The Common Ninebark is a hardy, fast-growing native shrub prized for its exfoliating bark, spring blooms, and adaptability to a wide range of conditions. Known for its arching habit and rich texture, this multi-season performer brings beauty, structure, and ecological value to both formal gardens and naturalized settings.
Perfect for pollinator gardens, hedgerows, and erosion control projects, Common Ninebark is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and incredibly easy to grow, making it a favorite among landscape professionals and native plant enthusiasts alike.
Common Ninebark Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Physocarpus opulifolius |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Common Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 5–10 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 5–10 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (2–3 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 2–8 |
| ❄️ Chill Hours | 800–1,000 hours |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Acidic to neutral (5.0–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🌸 Flower Color | White to pinkish-white clusters in late spring |
| 🍂 Foliage Color | Bright green to reddish bronze depending on variety |
| 🐝 Pollination | Attracts bees, butterflies, and native insects |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Arching, rounded, multi-stemmed shrub |
| ↔️ Spacing | 4–6 ft for borders or mass planting |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Hedgerows, erosion control, native borders, foundation beds |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Provides early-season blooms for pollinators
🪶 Offers dense cover and nesting habitat for birds
🌧️ Excellent for slope stabilization and stormwater control
🌿 Thrives in restoration sites, urban landscapes, and native gardens
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Fast-growing and highly adaptable | ✂️ May require rejuvenation pruning every few years |
| 🌸 Beautiful clusters of spring flowers | 🌱 Can grow large and unruly without occasional trimming |
| 🧬 Native species that supports local biodiversity | 💧 May show stress in extremely dry or nutrient-poor soils |
| 🏡 Multi-season interest from flowers, foliage, and bark | 🪵 Older stems may lose color and benefit from periodic thinning |
| 🧱 Tolerates poor soils and urban conditions | ❄️ Needs space to spread in smaller garden settings |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply at planting and during the first growing season
🕳️ Dig a hole twice the width of the root mass; plant at natural soil level
🌾 Apply mulch 2–3 inches deep to retain moisture and reduce weed growth
💦 Water weekly until established; reduce once roots are well developed
✂️ Prune lightly after flowering to shape; rejuvenate older shrubs every 3–5 years
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with compost or low-nitrogen organic blend
The Common Ninebark is a rugged, native shrub that offers ornamental charm, wildlife support, and landscape resilience all in one plant. Whether you're planting for biodiversity, slope control, or four-season texture, Ninebark delivers durability, adaptability, and classic natural beauty with ease.
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