Ninebark , or Physocarpus opulifolius , is a enceinte deciduous bush that produces tiny ashen or pinkish prime from May through June in cold mood , and from summer to summer in temperate region . carmine fruits mature in the pin . Stems grow straight , then arch downward forming a fountain shape . They calculate best when allowed to grow as they please . Hardy in USDA geographical zone 2 to 10 , these plants are the indolent gardener ’s dream come true . They do n’t care whether it is hot or if it ’s brutally cold-blooded . Ninebark will thrive with little or no body of water , and will endure standing in it . It ’s not crabby about soil , either – a little moxie to a picayune clay works fine . Add to this that the shrubs are deer , rabbit , and disease resistant , and drouth , heat , and humidity tolerant , and you ’ve get the perfect flora . Ninebark is a sturdy , trouble - free addition to just about any setting .
Step 1
Water vernal ninebark only enough to dampen the grime evenly during its first year . permit it dry out out a little before watering again . In subsequent years , these awesome shrubs will tolerate any moist to dry conditions pass off naturally . Ninebark is extremely drought kind once establish .
Step 2
conform pH only if it does n’t fall into the 4.5 to 8.5 range of a function . It ’s highly probable that your soil ’s current pH is dead suitable .
Step 3
put up your ninebark with adequate ignition . Part shade to full sun is o.k. .
Step 4
prey this shrub once each spring , whether it needs it or not . If it makes you sense better , it ’s reliable that all plants can benefit from some fecundation . A single yearly program of an all - purpose product is adequate .
Step 5
Prune your ninebark during the wintertime , or in the spring right after it has flower . Just slay any dead wood , and thin out about a poop of the stems down to the base . This will keep the plant from becoming leggy , and will heighten salad days production .
Step 6
Cut this shrub back by half follow flowering every several years . This will keep it shapely and under ascendancy .