How to Grow a Fireside Ninebark Shrub

firsteditionsplants.com

Bring striking sights to any landscape year-round with a mildew-resistant cultivar of native ninebark. It’s perfect for a pollinator garden or any small space where you need a punch of color. Here’s why you should plant a fireside ninebark shrub in your yard.

Grow brandywine viburnum for tie-dye berry clusters.

Fireside Ninebark Shrub Care

Before you pick out a spot for this shrub, here are a few key things to know.

• Botanical name: Physocarpus opulifolius
• Zone: 3 to 7 (Learn how plant zones work and how to find yours.)
• Light: Full sun
• Size: 5 to 7 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide

Pinkish white bloom clusters appear in spring and red fruits show up in fall. Psst—never plant these invasive shrubs (and what to grow instead!)

But the constantly changing foliage is the true wow factor on this ninebark shrub—its red leaves mature to reddish purple until fall, when they transform to dark purple.

Psst—check these 10 secrets to fantastic fall leaf colors in your yard.

Why You Should Grow a Fireside Ninebark Shrub

Fireside ninebark is versatile and can shine in a number of outdoor settings—use it within mixed borders, as an informal hedge or as a privacy plant. This ninebark pulls double duty in spring with delicate flowers that attract butterflies, while birds such as finches and sparrows nest among the foliage.

Shop Now

More Ninebark Shrub Cultivars to Try

Shutterstock / Nahhana

New cultivars with colorful foliage have moved this native plant out of the back border and into the spotlight. For compact ninebark cultivars, try Lady in Red (Ruby Spice), Little Devil, Nugget and Amber Jubilee.

Whether you have a small outdoor space or want to brighten up a bare corner, add compact Little Joker ninebark. Pale pink flower clusters on burgundy stems bloom in spring and summer before deep purple foliage with jewel green undertones takes over. It’s also mildew resistant and cold tolerant.

If you’re looking for a shrub with lots of fall and winter interest, go for Tiny Wine ninebark. Mature stems on the deciduous plant peel back to expose red and light brown inner bark. It grows up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, does best in full sun and adapts to most soil types.

Next, check out 15 more beautiful white flowering shrubs.