How to Grow and Care for Ninebarks

Common ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a plant species most commonly found in the eastern United States. Common ninebark is generally planted for erosion control and ornamental purposes. Several cultivars, such as Dart's Gold and Diabolo, have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Native to western North America, the pacific ninebark is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2.5 m tall. Its bark is flaky and peels away in many layers. Pacific ninebark prefers a wet environment but still tolerant a certain degree of drought. It is a popular garden plant in California.

The branches are hairless, and older ones have shreddy bark. The leaves have three to five lobes and serrated edges. Dark green when mature, they turn brownish red by early fall. The inflorescence is a corymb of flowers that have white petals measuring about 4 millimeters in length. The fruit is a follicle roughly one centimeter long.

Physocarpus amurensis is a resilient shrub native to the Amur River region. It boasts arching branches with flaking, coppery-brown bark, and dense clusters of small white flowers that bloom in spring. Its deciduous foliage presents three-lobed leaves which transition from green to vibrant autumn hues. This hardy plant thrives in a range of soils and environmental conditions, adapting well to both sun and partial shade.

Common ninebark 'Diabolo' is distinct for its deep purple leaves, cream-colored flowers, and bright red bark. A cultivar of Physocarpus opulifolius, its name comes from a game prop and refers to the shape of the flower clusters. Gardeners love this plant for its year-round interest and added color, as well as its hardiness.