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Physocarpus opulifolius

common ninebark

A vigorous deciduous shrub up to 3m high, with layered, flaking bark and an upright, arching habit. Leaves are broadly ovate, toothed and divided into three lobes. Dense, rounded clusters of small white flowers tinted with pink are produced along the stems in early summer, followed by reddish-green seed pods

Synonyms
Spiraea opulifolia

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Pink Green
Autumn Green Yellow Green Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus

Physocarpus are bushy deciduous suckering shrubs with palmately lobed leaves and corymbs of small cream flowers in early summer, followed by small, bladdery brown fruits

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a sunny spot in neutral to acidic, humus-rich soil. Will tolerate alkaline soils but may become chlorotic on shallow chalk

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in summer, or by division, removing rooted offsets in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1 or 2. If thinning or cutting back is required, this should be done soon after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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