Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius Amber Jubilee = 'Jefam' (PBR)
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ABOUT
The Ninebark 'Amber Jubilee', known for its striking foliage, showcases a unique blend of colors throughout its leaves. During the spring, the foliage emerges in shades of glowing orange, yellow, and gold, creating a warm and vibrant display in the garden. As the seasons change, the leaves transition through a range of colors, including shades of deep red and purple, which add interest and depth to its overall appearance. The plant is adorned with small clusters of white to light pink flowers in the late spring to early summer, adding a delicate and airy appeal that contrasts beautifully with the colorful leaves. These blossoms can attract various pollinators including bees and butterflies, adding activity and life to its surroundings. After the flowers have faded, the Ninebark will produce small reddish fruit that can add a further layer of ornamental value. The bark of this cultivar is also noteworthy; it exfoliates to reveal multiple layers of reddish-brown to more of a light tan underneath, providing year-round interest even when the plant is not in full leaf or flower. The overall shape of the Ninebark 'Amber Jubilee' is mounded, which allows it to contribute structure to garden designs. Its branching habit is somewhat arching, giving it a relaxed yet organized appearance that works well in various landscape applications. Whether used as a focal point, a hedge, or as part of a mixed border, its changing leaf color and attractive bark make this Ninebark variety a valued addition to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Ninebark, Amber Jubilee Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark.
Common names
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Jefam', Physocarpus opulifolius Amber Jubilee.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Pink
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The plant features vibrant orange, yellow, and gold foliage that adds a splash of color to any landscape.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Ninebark has good tolerance for drought conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: Ninebark generally resists pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Disease Resistance: The plant is also resistant to many diseases, ensuring a healthy and attractive appearance with less intervention.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Ninebark can be used in a variety of landscaping applications, such as hedging, accents, or mass plantings.
- Adaptability: It adapts well to a range of soil types and conditions, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Seasonal Interest: With foliage that changes color throughout the seasons and white to pink flowers in late spring, it provides year-round visual interest.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant can attract birds and beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination and natural pest control.
- Privacy: When planted in groups or as a hedge, Ninebark can provide privacy screens for garden spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ninebark 'Jefam' branches can be used in floral arrangements. The plant's colorful foliage and peeling bark add texture and interest to both fresh and dried flower displays.
- In crafting, Ninebark 'Jefam' can be utilized for wreath making. Twigs and branches can be woven into wreaths for decorative purposes throughout the year.
- As a natural dye, the leaves and bark of Ninebark 'Jefam' may be boiled to extract color for dyeing fabrics or yarns, though the colorfastness and exact hues may vary.
- In landscape design, Ninebark 'Jefam' can be used as a natural fence or privacy screen. Its dense foliage can provide seclusion without the need for artificial fencing materials.
- The leaves of Ninebark 'Jefam' can serve in art projects, especially leaf printing where their shape and texture can create interesting patterns on paper or fabric.
- Ninebark 'Jefam' can be put to use in photography as a backdrop. The plant's foliage provides a rich and vibrant background that can enhance portrait and macro photography.
- In eco-friendly construction, trimmed branches from Ninebark 'Jefam' may be used as part of the material for creating living structures or garden features such as arbors and trellises.
- Ninebark 'Jefam' can be incorporated into educational activities, such as studying plant growth or observing wildlife attracted by the plant, like birds and beneficial insects.
- As part of a natural play area, Ninebark 'Jefam' can add sensory experiences for children, with its various textures and colors stimulating touch and sight.
- In culinary presentations, although the plant is not edible, small sprigs of Ninebark 'Jefam' can be used as garnish for plating to add an aesthetic touch to dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiNinebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityNinebark is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transition and Change: The 'Amber Jubilee' variety of Ninebark, with its changing foliage colors from yellow to orange to deep purple, symbolizes the ever-changing nature of life and the beauty of each stage in the cycle of change.
- Resilience: Ninebark is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand a range of conditions, representing resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
- Adaptability: Given the plant's versatility in different landscapes, Ninebark symbolizes adaptability and the capability to thrive in varying circumstances.
- Renewal: The plant's habit of peeling bark to reveal new layers underneath symbolizes renewal and personal growth, shedding the old to make way for the new.
WaterNinebark, or Physocarpus opulifolius 'Amber Jubilee', should be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought or extreme heat. For established plants, a deep watering once a week should suffice, providing the equivalent of 1-1.5 inches of rainfall. Younger plants may require more frequent watering, perhaps twice a week, until they become established. It's best to water deeply and slowly, allowing the moisture to penetrate the root zone. The amount can vary, but a general rule is to use 5-10 gallons of water per plant for each watering session, adjusting as necessary based on the weather and the plant's condition.
LightNinebark prefers full sun to partial shade. An optimal spot would provide at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, which encourages vibrant foliage color and a healthy growth habit. While it can tolerate some shade, too much will lead to less dense growth and may affect flowering.
TemperatureNinebark is a hardy shrub that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 85°F; however, it thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. While it can tolerate cold winters, it's important to avoid extreme variances and to protect young plants from late spring frosts.
PruningNinebark benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape, encourage healthy growth, and remove any dead or diseased wood. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Thinning out crowded stems every few years helps increase air circulation and light penetration. Pruning can be done annually, but over pruning should be avoided to maintain the plant's natural form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNinebark including the 'Jefam' variety prefers well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter, with a pH of 5.5 to 7. A good mix could be loamy soil with added compost and peat moss to retain some moisture and ensure proper drainage.
RepottingNinebark 'Jefam' does not commonly require repotting as it is typically grown outdoors. It is a shrub that is planted directly in the ground rather than kept in containers, thus repotting is not a standard practice.
Humidity & MistingNinebark 'Jefam' is adaptable to various humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive. It is quite tolerant and can do well in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Hard to grow inside; needs lots of light, cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Ninebark 'Amber Jubilee' begins its life cycle as a germinated seed, often in spring, where it develops its first roots and shoots. As a seedling, it focuses on developing a strong root system and foliage, before entering into a juvenile stage where it starts to form its characteristic shrub shape. Upon reaching maturity, it produces clusters of small, white or pinkish flowers in the late spring to early summer, which are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, these flowers give way to reddish seed capsules that mature by late summer or fall, and can self-sow under suitable conditions. In autumn, the foliage turns to striking shades of oranges and purples before leaf fall. This deciduous shrub completes its annual cycle by entering dormancy in the winter, conserving energy to begin the next cycle in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Ninebark 'Amber Jubilee', scientifically known as Physocarpus opulifolius 'Jefam', is commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from new growth that has not yet hardened, typically in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and have a couple of leaf nodes present. These cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. High humidity and consistent moisture are maintained to support the rooting process, often in conjunction with bottom heat to speed up root formation. After several weeks, the cuttings will start to develop roots, at which point they can be gradually acclimated to less controlled conditions before being planted out.
