Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a structural shrub with white blooms in spring. They have interesting bark that can be showy in winter. They prefer moist to dry soil in sun to part sun where they can grow to be 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. They are a good structural plant for banks, slopes, and basins of larger bioretention plantings. Companion plants include Shrubby St. John’s Wort (Hypericum prolificum) and False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum).
Maintenance
Foliar issues like rust and powdery mildew are an occasional problem. Prune to shape and remove dead wood in late winter. Stems can be cut to the ground every few years for rejuvenation.
About
Light Requirements
Sun,
Part Sun Moisture Requirements
Banks,
Slopes,
Basin Soil Requirements
Loam,
Rock,
Sand Height
Tall Spacing
4 to 6 feet Category
Structural Attracts
Bees,
Birds,
Butterflies Illinois Native Plant Status
Illinois Native,
Indiana Native Bloom Time
April,
May Bloom Color
White Seasonality
Fall,
Spring,
Summer,
Winter Sociability
Individuals, Groups up to 5