Little Devil Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a shrub that typically grows to 4-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide when mature. Their attractive, dark green foliage accentuates the purple stems providing an interesting texture to the landscape.
Its flowers appear in white clusters above the foliage during the summer months and offer a subtle white accent to the garden. This hardy shrub can tolerate a variety of growing conditions from full sun to partial shade and thrive in both clay and sandy soil.
It is resistant to drought and deer, and does not require much pruning aside from removal of dead or diseased wood. Little Devil Ninebark is a great choice for mass plantings, garden borders and naturalizing wooded areas.
Is Little Devil ninebark Evergreen?
No, Little Devil Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Little Devil’) is deciduous. While evergreen shrubs and trees remain green through all the seasons, deciduous shrubs and trees lose their leaves in the fall and winter months, so Little Devil Ninebark transitions through seasonal change and will become dormant, with leaves falling off, in the late fall and winter.
The plant also reverts back to vibrant shades of burgundy and green as the warm months of spring and summer progress. However, even while dormant, the stems, bark, and structure of Little Devil Ninebark remain a unique selling point of this shrub, with its added interest of the textured bark in shades of brown, pink, and orange.
What is the prettiest ninebark?
The prettiest ninebark variety is arguable, as many gardeners claim to love different varieties for a variety of reasons. Generally, the most popular ninebark varieties involve “Summersweet” (Physocarpus opulifolius).
Columbine Summersweet is a blush-colored variety, with fragrant pink-tinged flowers in the spring and deep-green foliage during the summer. Diablo Summersweet is a deep reddish-purple variety with bright white flowers in the spring and deep-red foliage throughout the summer.
Other sought-after varieties include Center Glow Summersweet, which has a yellowy-green foliage and light pink flowers; Coppertina Summersweet, which features deep-bronze foliage; and Tiny Wine Summersweet, with a dwarf habit and foliage that begins as yellowy-green, fading to a deep pink in the summer.
How long does ninebark take to mature?
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a deciduous shrub that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Typically, it takes an average of four to five years for Ninebark to reach its mature size. The shrub can grow up to 6 to 10 feet tall with a similar spread, and as it matures, its cascading branches display colorful exfoliating bark in shades of red, orange, brown and tan.
Ninebark is considered to be slow-growing, and in some areas, growth may be slower due to cold weather or soil conditions. These conditions may extend the maturity time to seven years or longer for a fully mature shrub.
Is Ninebark an invasive plant?
No, Ninebark (Physocarpus) is not considered an invasive plant across areas of its natural range in North America. However, it has a tendency to become somewhat invasive in certain specialty gardens and landscaped spaces, thanks in part to its ability to readily spread and self-seed.
For regulation purposes, some areas classify it as an invasive species. The plant does well in wooded areas and hedgerows, so it can be quite invasive in native plant communities.
It is best to take precautions and regulate its propagation in areas of dense vegetation. Ninebark’s rootstock is particularly strong, so removal can be difficult. For that reason, it is important to use preventative measures, such as barriers and landscape cloth, when planting Ninebark near or in existing vegetation or wild areas.
Does Ninebark need full sun?
Yes, Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) needs full sun in order to flower and produce berries. It is a sturdy shrub that will tolerate some shade, but for best results, it requires full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
This can be tricky as many backyard gardens don’t get this much sun throughout the day. To get the most out of your Ninebark, try to choose a spot that receives full sun during the hottest afternoon hours when the sun is at its strongest.
The sun is critical for the plant to form flower buds and support robust growth. Some varieties of the Ninebark shrub will tolerate partial shade, while others may never fully bloom if they don’t receive enough sun.
What plants go well with Ninebark?
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is an excellent shrub for a variety of landscaping purposes. It is especially attractive as part of a flowering shrub border, where it adds texture and color to the landscape.
When it comes to companion plants, Ninebark pairs well with almost any flowering shrub or perennial, as well as evergreen shrubs. Some of the most popular companion plants for Ninebark include:
• Hydrangeas – For a beautiful flowering display, add hydrangeas just behind the Ninebark.
• Barberry – A low-growing, ornamental shrub that adds color and texture to the bed.
• Azaleas – Azaleas have large, colorful blooms of white, pink and red, making them an eye-catching addition to any flower bed.
• Spireas – A flowering bush with cascading branches of pink, white or yellow blossoms.
• Coreopsis – Coreopsis is an easy-to-care-for perennial with bright yellow or orange daisy-like flowers.
• Lilac – The fragrant flowers of lilac can add a lovely scent to the border and attract pollinators.
• Daylilies – Daylilies are low-maintenance and they come in a variety of bloom colors and sizes.
Additionally, Ninebark is a great backdrop for annuals, such as impatiens, petunias and verbena and looks great in combination with ornamental grasses. The striking foliage combined with the added color of the companion plants creates a stunning, eye-catching and vibrant display that will last all season.
Can ninebark tolerate shade?
Ninebarks (Physocarpus opulifolius) are generally tolerant of shade and can even thrive in it. These deciduous multi-stemmed shrubs prefer partial sun and full sun, but they can grow in shade. They can tolerate pretty intense shade, however the plant may become leggy or the foliage may thin out the more shade it is exposed to.
While they can do well in heavy shade, they will ultimately perform their best when planted in a sunny location. Additionally, ninebark shrubs may produce fewer flowers and have a more subdued color in shady locations.
Where should I plant ninebark?
Ninebark is a resilient and beautiful shrub that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, but prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. When planting ninebark, the shrub should be placed in an area that will allow it to reach its mature size, as it can reach heights of up to 12 feet and widths of up to 8 feet.
Allow space of at least 3-4 feet around the ninebark so that it can grow without any restriction. Depending on the specific variety that you have chosen, you may need to provide support for the shrub so that it does not become lopsided.
Once you have chosen the perfect site for planting ninebark, prepare the soil by adding organic matter if necessary, then dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Place the root ball into the hole and backfill.
Water the shrub after planting and continue to provide water during dry spells, as this will ensure that the ninebark develops healthy roots.
How much sun does a ninebark need?
Ninebark shrubs do best when placed in an area that receives full to partial sunlight. They prefer partial shade in hotter climates and can even handle a few hours of full sun. As a general rule, most ninebark varieties should receive around four to six hours of direct sunlight each day in order to be healthy and thriving.
For best results, keep your ninebark away from very dry, hot, and sunny spots. Additionally, be sure to water the ninebark regularly during dry spells or periods of sustained hot weather.
Are Ninebark roots deep?
Ninebark roots can range in depth depending on the species and growth conditions, but they generally don’t grow too deep. Ninebark is a shallow-rooted species that often forms a dense mat of fibrous roots somewhat close to the soil surface.
With proper irrigation and mulching, a Ninebark can develop a shallow, but broad root system that will anchor the plant while still allowing adequate water and nutrient uptake. While mature Ninebark plants may have roots that reach down several feet, they often spread out within the top few inches of the soil.
With its shallow roots, Ninebark is well adapted to rocky, shallow soils and does not require deep soil for proper growth.
Is Ninebark poisonous to dogs?
No, Ninebark (physocarpus opulifolius) is not poisonous to dogs. In fact, it can be a great addition to your garden if you have a pet canine companion. The plant is part of the Rosaceae family and it is native to North America and Canada.
It has a bushy, multi-stem architecture and can reach heights of up to 12 feet, making it perfect for adding some natural beauty and interest to your home landscape. It will also provide plenty of shade if properly placed.
The flowers are either white or pink, depending on the variety, and the foliage is lush and dark green in color. As for the safety of the plant for your furry companion, it has no harmful toxins, which makes it safe for both humans and animals.
Do you cut back Ninebark in the fall?
It is not necessary to cut back Ninebark in the fall when it comes to pruning and maintenance. Ninebark is a hardy and low maintenance shrub, so regular pruning is not needed. It can, however, be done in the spring, after the flower buds appear.
This can be done to control the size and shape of the plant, to improve the flowering, or to take off dead, diseased or damaged branches. If heavy pruning is necessary, it should be done just before the new buds appear in late winter or early spring.
If it is only light pruning, or just the removal of a few dead or damaged branches, then some pruning can be done in early fall, but it is generally best to postpone pruning until late winter or early spring.
It is important to remember that Ninebark flower buds form in late summer/fall, so if you prune in late fall, you may miss out on the showy spring flowers.
Does ninebark produce fruit?
Yes, ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) produces edible fruit. The fruit of the ninebark shrub is small, about 1/4 of an inch, and is a reddish-brown color when ripe. The fruit is drupaceous, meaning that it has a fleshy outer layer and a single seed inside.
Most of the time, the fruit has a bitter taste, but if you let the fruit ripen long enough the taste can become lush and sweet. Each ninebark bush will produce its own unique tasting fruit.
Although ninebark fruit is technically edible, it’s not recommended to eat too much at once. Eating a significant amount may produce a laxative effect. But the fruit can certainly be safely enjoyed in small amounts.
The fruit’s bitter taste can make it unappealing to some, but certain species of birds will eat it as food.
Do ninebark have berries?
Yes, ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a shrub that can produce clusters of white, pink or red berries. The berries contain four seeds and start to form in late summer. They aren’t typically considered to be edible, but birds do eat them.
While ninebark berries are decorative and add interest to the shrub in fall, they aren’t necessary for the health of the shrub, so they can be removed if they are unwanted.
Are ninebark berries poisonous?
Ninebark berries are considered mildly toxic and may pose a risk to pets, children, and adults if ingested. The shrub is a species of shrubs in the genus Physocarpus, native to North America. While the berries themselves are not usually fatal, they can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If a person or pet ingests a large amount of the berries, further health complications such as dehydration, weakness, and drowsiness may occur. It is important to keep pets and children away from these plants, as it is best to avoid the potential risks.
Can you eat ninebark fruit?
Yes, you can eat ninebark fruit. It is an edible fruit, although it is not widely consumed in the US. The fruit is tart and can be eaten raw, although it can also be cooked and made into a jelly. The fruit can also be dried to make it easier to store.
Nutritionally, ninebark fruit is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, and is a good source of dietary antioxidants. Eating the fruit can help boost your immune system and protect against cell damage.
It’s important to properly clean ninebark fruit before consuming it, as it may contain bacteria, germs, and chemicals that could harm your health.
How do you tell if a berry is poisonous or not?
In general, the best way to tell if a berry is poisonous or not is to find out what kind of berry it is. Many species of berry look similar, and some can be toxic to humans if ingested. If you are uncertain of the type of berry, it is best to avoid consuming it.
Additionally, if a berry has any unusual coloring or has a strange or odd smell, it can be a sign that the berry is not safe to eat. If you are foraging for edible berries, it can also be beneficial to research the area and learn what specific types are safe to consume.
When in doubt, do not consume the berry.
Are the red berries in my yard poisonous?
It is difficult to assess from a distance whether the red berries found in your yard are poisonous or not. Withoutfirsthand knowledge of the type of plant or shrub the berries are on, it is impossible to assess the safety of ingesting the berries.
In addition, many species of berry-bearing plants contain poisonous variants in addition to edible fruit, and it can be difficult to visually distinguish which type of berry it is. As a result, the safest option would be to avoid consumption of the red berries until you can positively identify the plant they are on.
How poisonous are poke berries?
Poke berries (or Phytolacca americana) are small, dark purple berries that are mildly toxic to humans and animals. They contain a variety of toxic compounds, including alkaloids, tannins, and saponins.
Although all parts of the plant are considered toxic, the most poisonous part is the berry, with the seeds and root being the most toxic parts. Ingesting large amounts of poke berries can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea.
Additionally, cases of sudden death have been reported from ingesting them. Due to their toxicity, it is recommended that people avoid ingesting them altogether.
