Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius 'Andre'
ABOUT
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Andre', commonly known as Ninebark, is a deciduous shrub that is favored for its appealing ornamental features. The 'Andre' variety of Ninebark is characterized by its multi-stemmed nature, with branches that arch gracefully. The leaves of the 'Andre' are particularly striking, showcasing a deep purple color that adds a rich, dramatic tone to the landscape throughout the growing season. The foliage is shaped like that of a maple tree, giving it an interesting texture and appearance. As the seasons change, the leaves may turn to a stunning shade of reddish-purple, adding to the plant’s visual interest. Ninebark is also notable for the exfoliating bark that peels away in strips on mature stems, revealing several layers of reddish-brown to light tan colors beneath, hence the name "Ninebark". This bark texture provides year-round interest, especially in the winter months when the leaves have fallen. In late spring to early summer, Ninebark 'Andre' produces clusters of small, cup-shaped flowers. These blooms are typically a delicate pink or white, standing out nicely against the darker foliage. Following the flowering period, it may produce small, inconspicuous fruit that can persist into the winter and provide food for birds and other wildlife. Ninebark 'Andre' is a versatile shrub that can add a touch of elegance to any garden space with its combination of vibrant foliage, attractive flowers, and unique bark texture. It is often utilized in landscaping for hedges, borders, or as a stand-alone specimen, providing multi-seasonal interest without the need to focus on its specific dimensions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, Common Ninebark.
Common names
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Andre'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Physocarpus opulifolius 'Andre' is Ninebark. Ninebark is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause stomach upset or discomfort if ingested in large quantities. It is always best to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Ninebark is the common name for Physocarpus opulifolius 'Andre'. This plant is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. However, it's important to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fiber content or natural compounds. If your pet does ingest Ninebark and shows signs of distress, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Spread
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Ninebark 'Andre' offers attractive foliage with a deep burgundy or purple color that adds aesthetic contrast to garden settings.
- Seasonal Interest: This cultivar provides year-round interest with spring flowers, summer foliage, fall color, and exfoliating winter bark.
- Easy Care: Ninebark 'Andre' is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: It is resistant to many common pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, and the seeds can provide food for birds.
- Adaptable: Ninebark 'Andre' can adapt to a variety of soil conditions and can grow in a range of climate zones.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Use in Landscaping: It's often used for hedges, borders, and as a focal point in landscaping designs due to its shape and color.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in groups, Ninebark 'Andre' can create an effective privacy screen or windbreak.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Ninebark provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals due to its dense foliage.
- Artistic Medium: The peeling bark of ninebark with its unique texture can be used in bark art and crafts.
- Photography Subject: The plant's attractive flowers and bark provide an interesting subject for nature photographers.
- Winter Garden Interest: Ninebark's exfoliating bark and persistent seed heads add visual interest to winter landscapes.
- Erosion Control: Due to its extensive root system, ninebark can be planted on slopes to help prevent soil erosion.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in a row, ninebark can form a dense hedge, providing privacy for home gardens.
- Natural Dye: The bark and leaves may be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts.
- Bioengineering Projects: Ninebark's robust growth can be useful in bioengineering for stabilization and restoration projects.
- Education: Ninebark can be used as a teaching tool in botany and horticulture courses to study plant adaptation and morphology.
- Soil Improvement: Ninebark contributes to the health of the soil by adding organic matter as its leaves and bark decompose.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ninebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ninebark is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Ninebark, as Physocarpus opulifolius is commonly known, is a hardy plant able to withstand a variety of conditions, symbolizing one's ability to persevere through adversity.
- Adaptability: Due to its wide range of growing conditions and tolerance for different soils, Ninebark represents the ability to thrive in diverse environments and situations.
- Versatility: Ninebark's diverse use in landscaping, from hedges to standalone ornamental pieces, signifies flexibility and a multifaceted nature.
WaterThe Ninebark 'Andre' prefers a consistent watering schedule, needing about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply rather than frequently to encourage root growth. During particularly dry spells, increase watering to twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In the fall, you can reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy. Check the topsoil for dryness, and when the first 2-3 inches are dry, it is time to water again.
LightNinebark 'Andre' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It is best planted where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it will tolerate some light shade especially during the hottest part of the day. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to reduced foliage vigor and fewer flowers.
TemperatureNinebark 'Andre' is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, generally between -30°F and 100°F. The ideal growth temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F. It's important to note that the plant is cold-hardy and can survive winter temperatures well into the negative degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Ninebark 'Andre' in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and thin out older stems to encourage new shoots. Pruning can also be done immediately after flowering if the aim is to shape the plant or reduce its size. Pruning every year or two is sufficient for maintaining a healthy and well-groomed appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNinebark 'Andre' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite can create the ideal conditions for root growth and health.
RepottingNinebark 'Andre' does not require frequent repotting and does best when left undisturbed. Repotting every 3 to 5 years or when the plant has outgrown its container is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingNinebark 'Andre' is adaptable and does not require specific humidity levels, making it well-suited for the variable humidity of most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant Ninebark in a bright spot with room to grow.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil; prune in late winter.
Hardiness zone
2-8 USDA
Life cyclePhysocarpus opulifolius 'Andre', commonly known as Ninebark 'Andre', starts its life as a dormant seed. Upon germination in favorable conditions—warm temperatures and moist soil—the seed develops into a seedling with characteristic new leaves. As the seedling matures, it grows into a shrub with arching branches, where it undergoes a period of vegetative growth and develops its distinct bronze-maroon foliage. Once mature, usually within a few years, Ninebark 'Andre' enters the reproductive stage, blooming in late spring to early summer with clusters of white to pinkish flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, flowers develop into small red fruits (infructescence) that persist into winter, providing food for wildlife. The plant may go through cycles of growth and dormancy for many years, with some shrubs living for decades under optimal conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Andre', commonly known as Ninebark, is most frequently propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is typically carried out in late spring or early summer when the new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. To propagate Ninebark from cuttings, a 4 to 6 inch cutting is taken from a healthy stem, with the lower leaves removed. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a moist potting mix. The cutting should be placed in an environment with high humidity and indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once the roots are established, the new Ninebark plant can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
