Summer Wine® Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward')
Summer Wine® Ninebark is a hardy deciduous shrub grown for its deep burgundy foliage, pink-white spring flowers, and peeling bark.
- Light: Plant in full sun (6+ hours) for the best foliage color. It tolerates partial shade but may become less colorful.
- Soil: Grows in most well-drained soils, including clay. Avoid standing water.
- Planting: Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball and no deeper than the root ball. Set the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
- Watering: Water deeply immediately after planting. For the first 2 weeks, water every 2–3 days if there is no rain. For the next 2–3 months, water deeply once or twice a week. After establishment (about one growing season), water during extended dry periods.
- Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stems.
- Fertilizer: Usually needs little fertilizer. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring if growth is weak.
- Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to shape, or remove up to one-third of the oldest stems at ground level every few years to encourage vigorous new growth.
- Pollination: Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers. No second plant is needed.
- Container Growing: Can be grown in a large container (at least 20–24 inches wide) with drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix, water more frequently than in-ground plants, and protect the roots from extreme winter cold.