Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey, Red

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Ninebark is an upright to spreading deciduous shrub with a somewhat coarse texture, growing 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Noted for its exfoliating bark (on mature branches) which peels in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown inner bark (hence the common name of ninebark). Bark provides winter interest, but in summer is hidden by the foliage. Small pink or white, five-petaled flowers appearing in dense, flat, rounded, spirea-like clusters (corymbs) in late spring. Flowers give way to drooping clusters of reddish fruit. Ovate to rounded, usually 3-5 lobed leaves are dull green in summer changing to an undistinguished yellow in fall. Many varieties are available; P. o. 'Monlo' (Diabolo) has purple leaves.

Grow in well drained soil in full sun to light shade. Adaptive to soil type, as long as it is well draining. Prune selectively after blooming to control height if necessary; prune to renovate in late winter (see Guides).