Physocarpus opulifolius aka Nine Bark

Taxonomy

Genus Physocarpus Family Rosaceae Order Rosales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Physocarpus opulifolius, also known as common ninebark, Eastern ninebark, Atlantic ninebark, or simply ninebark, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It is closely related to the genus Spiraea and can grow up to 10 feet tall, but typically reaches 5-9 feet in height. This plant can be found growing on rocky hillsides, banks of streams, and in moist thickets, often on stream banks, riverside thickets, and scour prairies. One of the notable features of Physocarpus opulifolius is its exfoliating bark, which peels in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown inner bark, giving it its common name of ninebark. The bark provides winter interest but is usually hidden by the foliage during the growing season. The shrub also produces small pink or white, five-petaled flowers that appear in dense, flat, rounded, 1-2 inch diameter, spirea-like clusters in late spring, which give way to drooping clusters of reddish fruit (inflated seed capsules). The leaves of Physocarpus opulifolius are usually ovate to rounded and have three to five lobes, reaching up to 4 inches in length. They are dull green in the summer and change to an undistinguished yellow in the fall. Overall, this shrub is a beautiful addition to any landscape, providing both visual interest and ecological benefits.

Common names

Nine Bark, Atlantic Ninebark, Common Ninebark

How to care for Nine Bark

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Nine Bark is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Nine Bark should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Nine Bark loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Nine Bark requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Atlantic Ninebark is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Nine Bark should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Nine Bark as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Nine Bark’s native range is Central and Eastern N. America - Quebec to South Carolina, west to Alabama, Arkansas and Minnesota.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Physocarpus Genus

Physocarpus malvaceus Mallow Ninebark

Physocarpus capitatus Pacific Ninebark