Pacific Ninebark
Fast-growing, Physocarpus capitatus (Pacific Ninebark) is a dense deciduous shrub with an exquisite vase shape and incredibly decorative exfoliating bark. Profuse white flowers, with five petals and many red-tipped stamens, appear in dense, rounded clusters, 3-5 in. wide (7-12 cm), in late spring to mid summer. They give way to drooping clusters of glossy red pods which turn brown and then splits open to release their seeds. Rich in nectar, the blossoms attract plenty of beneficial insects. The flowers contrast beautifully with the interesting maple-like foliage of green lobed leaves, which warms up to intense red to subtle rose-brown in the fall. Hidden by the foliage during the growing season, the bark is revealed in all its splendor later in the season, peeling in long irregular strips to display layers of reddish to light brown inner bark, providing winter interest. Providing good shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals, Pacific Ninebark is a splendid screening and hedge plant. Its extensive root system is also useful for retaining soil on slopes.
Requirement | |
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Hardiness | 5,6,7,8,9,10 |
Heat Zones | 5,6 |
Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 2B, 3A, 3B |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Rosacea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring, Summer, Fall, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer |
Height | 5' - 6', 6' - 7', 7' - 8', 8' - 9', 9' - 10' |
Spread | 5' - 6', 6' - 7', 7' - 8', 8' - 9', 9' - 10' |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand, Acid, Neutral |
Characteristics | Showy, Attracts Butterflies, Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant |
Garden Styles | |
Planting Place | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens, Walls and Fences |