Physocarpus opulifolius - 20-30 CM BR

Description
The Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a bushy, upright large shrub that produces creamy white flowers arranged in umbels. They appear from June to July. These produce red-brown fruits from September. The Ninebark also has egg-shaped, medium-green leaves. In a sunny to semi-shady location with well-drained soil, it usually reaches a height of around 5 metres and is around 3 metres wide.

Synonym
Synonyms (botanical): Spiraea opulifolius.

Bulletpoints
* light brown shoots * the flowers are heavily favoured by bees, bumblebees and hoverflies * attractive amber-yellow autumn colouring * resistant to urban climates, wind-resistant, smoke-hardy

leaves
The deciduous leaves of the Ninebark are medium green, ovate, alternate, lobed. They are about 5 - 10 cm in size. Ninebark is bright amber-yellow in autumn.

Bark
Exfoliating bark.

Spread
North America.

Frost hardiness
The Ninebark has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Ninebark is a bushy and upright growing large shrub. It usually reaches a height of 3 - 5 m and is approx. 2 - 3 m wide. It usually grows 30 - 40 cm per year.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to semi-shady position.

Soil
Normal soil.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the soil is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Tasks
- Fertilise: In the period from April to August.

Care
- Excess water must be able to drain away easily and waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. - Heavy pruning in spring encourages flowering.

Flower
The creamy white flowers of Ninebark appear in corymbs from June to July.

Use
Privacy screen, solitary plant, ornamental shrub, bee pasture, bird food plant

Shoots
The shoots of Physocarpus opulifolius are light brown in colour.

Root
Physocarpus opulifolius is a heart-root plant and, depending on the soil, forms sparsely branched roots.