Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’) is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can reach 4 to 8 feet in height and 4 to 6 feet in width. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 and thrives in full sun.
As a fast-growing plant, Diablo ninebark typically adds several feet of new growth to it each season. Its dark-colored foliage, which is resistant to most pests, holds its color throughout the growing season.
Prune lightly in the early spring to control the size and attain a desired shape. Also, removing dead and diseased wood helps the overall health of the shrub.
Is Diablo ninebark invasive?
No, Diablo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’) is not considered to be an invasive species. It is a cultivar of ninebark, a native species to both North America and parts of Europe. It is known for its tolerance of a wide range of growing conditions which has allowed it to spread and be used extensively in landscaping.
While it is considered to spread, it does not generally become invasive, meaning it does not out-compete native plant species for resources. Diablo ninebark is noteworthy for its unique rich burgundy foliage, which provides long-lasting color in the landscape.
Furthermore, it is generally considered to be disease- and pest-resistant, making it an ideal choice for landscaping.
Is Diablo ninebark annual or perennial?
Diablo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’) is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub that is classified as a perennial. It grows between 6 and 9 feet tall, with a similar width, and has narrow green leaves with purple stems.
The leaves turn to shades of orange, red and purple in the fall and the stems become even darker. Its white flowers bloom in spring and develop into small, dark brown fruits that birds and small mammals enjoy.
Once established, the Diablo Ninebark is drought, heat and cold tolerant, and can even tolerate urban pollution. It is an ideal plant choice for adding a vibrant burst of color and texture to borders, foundations, screens or planters.
How tall and wide does ninebark get?
Ninebark, a deciduous shrub that is native to North America, typically grows to be 6-9 feet in height and 5-8 feet in width. The shrub has an upright and vase-shaped form with arching branches that spread horizontally.
The ninebark plant is known for its peeling bark and its sharp-toothed leaves that can range in color from dark green to reddish-purple. It produces clusters of small white or pink flowers in midsummer and is also drought tolerant and salt tolerant.
To encourage growth and blooming, it’s best to plant ninebark in a sunny to partly shaded area with well-drained soil. Pruning and light shaping can be done in late winter or early spring to encourage denser surrounding foliage.
What is the prettiest ninebark?
The ‘Seward’ variety of ninebark is widely considered to be the prettiest. It is a deciduous shrub that grows up to six feet tall and is renowned for its showy display of bright foliage and abundant clusters of white flowers.
In the spring, the foliage is a deep maroon shade that changes to a dark green in the summer. In the fall, the leaves take on an attractive reddish hue and the white flowers bloom in May and remain until late summer.
The ‘Seward’ variety is very resilient and tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and climates. It is also easier to maintain than other varieties of ninebark, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels.
Are ninebark roots invasive?
Yes, ninebark roots can be invasive. When planting ninebark it is important to take the time to properly install a root barrier in the soil. This will help to prevent the roots from fully extending and becoming invasive.
Additionally, ninebark should be planted in an area with plenty of space for it to grow and spread its roots. If planting in a smaller area, it is important to have smaller plants and not ones that are fully mature as these will have potentially more developed root systems.
Furthermore, ninebark should be planted away from other items such as sewer lines, walkways, and driveways as the roots can be quite stubborn and may spread to these areas. Finally, if possible, it is best to water ninebark at the base of the plant instead of systemically throughout the area as this will help to reduce invasiveness.
Taking the extra precautions when planting ninebark and providing the right care can help encourage healthy growth and prevent invasiveness.
Does ninebark need full sun?
Ninebark is a beautiful flowering shrub that is a lovely addition to any landscape. Ninebark is also considered a low-maintenance plant, and can thrive with minimal care. When considering where to place this shrub in your garden, you should consider its light requirements.
When it comes to light, it is generally best to plant ninebark in a location that gets full sun to partial shade. Although ninebark will tolerate full shade, it will require pruning if it receives less than five hours of direct sunlight per day.
On the other hand, ninebark will usually thrive if it is planted in a location that gets six or more hours of direct sunlight per day. Keep in mind that when ninebark is planted in full sun it is less likely to need regular pruning.
In addition to providing the right light requirements, ninebark also benefits from being kept in moist, well-drained soil. It also should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season.
Overall, while ninebark can tolerate full shade, it is best to plant it in a location that gets full sun to partial shade and that has well-drained soil. By providing ninebark with the right light and soil requirements, you will be able to enjoy its beauty for years to come.
What plants go well with ninebark?
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a large deciduous shrub that is known for its vibrant foliage and flowers. It does well in a large range of soil types, but prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Ninebark pairs well with a variety of annuals and perennials, depending on the type of look you are trying to achieve.
To add more vibrant foliage, try adding pink spirea, maroon leaved purplesandal, chartreuse ajuga, or yellow forsythia. These varieties will complement the ninebark’s striking foliage in the summer months.
To add more color to the landscape, try adding some perennials such as coreopsis, campanula, yarrow, cone flower, black-eyed Susan, or Siberian iris. For a softer look, try adding some micro perennials such as baby’s breath, blue fescue, or wild columbine.
Lastly, adding low-growing varieties such as sedum, sweet woodruff, spurge, hebe, or baby’s tears to act as a groundcover can normally complete the look.
Do you cut back ninebark?
Yes, you can cut back ninebark! The best time to prune ninebark is in late winter or early spring before it begins to leaf out. Ninebark often grows in large clumps or thickets, so pruning can help keep it looking neat and tidy and promote healthy growth.
To prune ninebark, use sharp pruning shears to cut each stem at a 45-degree angle. Removing old or crowded stems can help increase blooms and encourage new growth. Pruning should be done throughout the growing season as needed to maintain its shape and encourage bushiness.
It’s important to avoid overly aggressive pruning, as this can damage or even kill the plant. When pruning, only remove a third of the stems at any given time and never remove more than half of the stems in the same season.
Additionally, take care to avoid rough handling as the bark of ninebark is thin and can be easily damaged. Pruning ninebark can also help control its spread, as it can become quite invasive in some areas.
When finished pruning, water the ninebark to help promote healthy new growth.
How much does ninebark spread?
Ninebark is a deciduous shrub with a moderate growth rate that can spread up to four to six feet both in width and height. It is a vigorous spreader that should not need frequent pruning to control its size.
Ninebark can spread either through its above-ground spreading stems or from rhizomes below the surface of the soil. These spreading stems will root quickly when they touch the soil, creating multiple plants from one original.
To contain the size of the Ninebark, it should be planted in an area with room to grow and with soil that is not overly rich. Pruning is not necessary but can be done in early summer after the bush has bloomed.
Pruning will help to create a more compact, denser shape and can be used to reduce the spread of the shrub by removing the end of the branches that root and spread.
What can I plant with Diabolo ninebark?
When planting in beds or gardens, Diabolo ninebark is an ideal shrub for creating interesting texture and color combinations with other plants. Some great companion plants for Diabolo ninebark are Russian sage, Siberian iris, lily of the valley, daylilies, sedum, butterfly bush, and a variety of ornamental grasses.
For a traditional flower bed look, combining perennials such as phlox and coneflower with Diabolo ninebark will give you an eye-catching display of bright flowers and dark foliage. Additionally, the upright growth habit of Diabolo ninebark allows it to fit neatly into tight spaces between other plants, giving you a great option for those hard-to-reach or narrow places in your garden.
The unique foliage of Diabolo ninebark also makes it a great center piece or focal point in a flower bed. When planting Diabolo ninebark, it’s important to provide plenty of room as the shrub can grow up to five feet tall.
Make sure to water and mulch your shrubs regularly and give them full to partial sun exposure, as this will ensure a nice, healthy plant. With a few simple steps and the right combination of companion plants and shrubs, you can create a beautiful and unique garden with Diabolo ninebark.
How far apart should you plant Ninebark?
Ninebark shrubs should be spaced about 4-6 feet apart when planted in a garden or hedge. If you are planting a group of these bushes together as a privacy screen, space them about 3-4 feet apart for a thick screen, or about 6-8 feet apart for a staggered arrangement.
When planting Ninebarks in the ground, make sure you follow the instructions on the package for a successful planting. When digging the hole, amending the soil with compost, and adding fertilizer, make sure it is dug 2-3 times the width of the root ball, with the same height.
When planting the Ninebark, make sure not to plant it too deeply and that the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the soil. Once planted, add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the shrub in order to conserve moisture and to prohibit weed growth.
Be sure to water your new Ninebarks regularly for at least the first growing season to ensure successful establishment.
How do you winterize ninebark?
Winterizing ninebark is important for its health and for proper flowering next spring. The following steps will help you winterize ninebark properly:
1. Begin with a thorough raking. Remove all fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from around the plant and from the base of the plant itself. This will help to prevent diseases and pests from settling over the winter.
2. Fertilize the ninebark. Use an all-purpose fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This will help the ninebark to recover quickly in the spring and to produce more vibrant flowers.
3. Cut the ninebark down. Cut the shrub back to about three feet tall and consider removing some of the branches closest to the ground to provide better air circulation. This will help to prevent fungal and bacterial issues.
4. Mulch the soil to create a layer of insulation for the ninebark’s roots. Use four to six inches of organic matter, such as compost or wood chips, to cover the soil around the base of the ninebark.
This will also help to retain soil moisture and help to keep weeds away.
5. Finally, shelter the ninebark from the harsh winter weather. Place a burlap wrap or plant cover over the ninebark to keep it from being exposed to extreme temperatures and winds. This will also help to keep the soil temperature consistent.
With these steps, your ninebark will be well-protected through the winter and be ready to bloom in the spring.
Can I cut ninebark to the ground?
Yes, you can cut ninebark to the ground. This is a pruning method commonly referred to as “renewal pruning”. It is done to rejuvenate a shrub that has become overgrown and unruly, lanky or even scraggly-looking.
It is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. With ninebark, you can prune it as needed throughout the growing season, but only prune as much as one third of its total growth at any time.
When pruning to the ground, use hand shears or loppers to cut the stems to about 12 inches above the ground. Be sure to sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution to reduce the chance of disease transmission.
Removing dead, diseased and damaged stems is also important for the health of the shrub. After pruning, spread a three-inch layer of mulch or shredded bark around the base to retain moisture, but be sure to avoid piling the mulch against the trunks of the ninebark.
With proper pruning and care, your ninebark should begin to produce new branches and flowers in no time.
Does Ninebark keep its leaves in winter?
Yes, Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is an evergreen plant, which means that it will keep its leaves all winter long, even in colder climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and prefers full sun to partial shade conditions.
It produces clusters of small white or pink flowers in the summer and its leaves turn reddish-purple in the fall. The tree has multiple trunks and a spreading habit, reaching a height of 8-10 feet. The leaves are small, oval and serrated and can be shiny or dull green depending on the variety.
It’s an excellent choice for screening and windbreaks, as well as for adding year-round color to a landscape.
