Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Common Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius

Common Ninebark, flowers of the cultivar ‘Diablo’
Common Ninebark, flowers of the cultivar ‘Diablo’
 
Features
Clusters of white to off-white flowers in early summer; clusters of fruit taking on a pinkish to flesh color in mid-late summer; autumn color is a poor yellow. 
 
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates both wet and dry sites; tolerates alkaline soil. 
 
Cultivars
  • 'Dart's Gold' - Compact (4-5 feet tall), foliage yellow changing to yellow green.
  • 'Luteus' - Foliage yellow turning to yellow green.
  • 'Monlo' (Diablo®)- Reddish purple foliage, fruit turn reddish but still show up well against the foliage.
  • 'Nanus' - 2-6 feet tall, red fruits.
  • 'Nugget' - 6 feet tall, leaves yellow in spring, lime green in summer, yellow in autumn.
  • 'Seward' ('Summer Wine'™)- Reddish purple foliage and a more compact plant (5 feet), pinkish white flowers.
 
 
Mature Height
5-10 Feet
 
Size
Small
Medium
 
 
Mature Width
5-10 Feet
 
Mature Form
Rounded with arching branches 
 
Native To:
United States (and Illinois) 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 6 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Uses
Border
Hedge
Massing
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
Purple
Yellow
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Purple
Yellow
 
 
Pests and Problems
 
Additional Notes
Annual pruning is needed to keep the plant in good shape.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic