Rick’s Native Plant of the Month | Physocarpus opulifolius - Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius or ninebark is found throughout the northeast and mid-Atlantic. It is a large, rounded shrub, up to 10 feet tall and wide, with graceful, arching branches. It blooms in early June with many dome-like clusters of small, white flowers. These dry to brown capsules that remain throughout the winter and highlight ninebark’s attractive silhouette and orange-brown branches.

Ninebark tolerates both wet and dry soils, grows well in full sun or partial shade, and has few pests or diseases. Plant it as an informal hedge or screen, at the back of beds and borders and naturalized along woodland edges.

There are many varieties of ninebark available at garden centers, some dwarf, some with golden or purple foliage.