Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is an attractive, deciduous, multi stemmed, shrub that has been gaining in popularity over the past few years. Native to North America it has been around for a long time, but with the introduction of new varieties, gardeners and landscapers are realizing what a colourful addition ninebark can make to the year round landscape. Ninebark gets its name from the 9 (approximately) layers of exfoliating bark. The bark peels off in vertical strips, revealing different shades of colour underneath, giving it year round interest. In the spring the colourful, rounded, foliage appears followed by the flowers. During the summer and fall the foliage remains colourful, with the added bonus of colourful seed pods which feed the birds. The flowers on ninebark are known for attracting bees, and butterflies which are enjoyable to watch.

They are a hardy, easy to grow and care for shrub. Plant them in a sunny location. Too much shade will cause the plant to grow spindly and loose its bright colours. Ninebarks have the ability to grow in different soil types and growing conditions but do best in average moist soil. Once established they will tolerate some drought. They are rarely bothered by pests and disease and need minimal care. Plant them as a specimen plant, in groups or as a hedge.

Ninebarks are pruned in the spring. After removing any dead branches cut out one quarter of the old branches to ground level. This will cause the plant to send out new colourful growth. It also responds well to cutting the tips of stems back. Keep in mind, that ninebarks bloom on old (previous years) wood, so do not cut the plant back too far, or else you will not get any flowers.

Varieties to watch for include:

Diablo: grows 2 m tall and wide. It has dark, purple foliage which takes on a bronze tint in the fall. The small white flowers are followed in late summer by red seed pods.

Summer Wine: grows 2m tall and wide. The deeply cut dark red/purple foliage turns brighter in the fall. The clusters of flowers are soft pink and are followed by red seed pods

Lemon Candy: grows 75-90 cm tall and wide making it a nice compact plant. The lemon yellow spring foliage matures to a chartreuse. Clusters of white flowers later make way for the red seed pods in late summer.

Centre Glow; grows 2 m tall and wide. Has new yellow/green foliage that matures to a bright red giving the shrub lots of colour. The clusters of white flowers produce red seed pods.

Amber Jubilee: grows 1.5-2.0 m tall and wide. In the spring the foliage is yellow/orange and matures to dark green, that gets tones of red and purple in the fall. The clusters of white flowers later produce burgundy seed pods.

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 West at Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road