Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius Angel Gold = 'Minange' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Ninebark, specifically the Angel Gold variety, is known for its distinctive and ornamental appearance. It showcases vibrant yellow to golden foliage that adds a splash of color to any garden. The leaves are characteristically three-lobed and resemble those of the maple, giving the shrub a lush, layered look. In the spring, the plant blossoms with clusters of small, white or lightly pink flowers that contrast elegantly against the bright foliage. As the seasons progress, the flowers may give way to small, red berry-like fruits that provide a food source for birds. The bark on the Ninebark is also notable. It is exfoliating, creating interesting patterns of peeling layers that reveal different shades underneath and add winter interest to the gardener's palette. Overall, the Angel Gold Ninebark is a compact and pleasingly shaped shrub, with a rounded form that is dense with branches and leaves, making it a choice plant for creating vibrant hedges or adding a focus point in a garden design.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark, Common Ninebark.
Common names
Physocarpus opulifolius.
- Toxicity
To humans
Ninebark, including the variety Physocarpus opulifolius 'Angel Gold' ('Minange'), is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants as they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals. If ingestion does happen, monitoring for any adverse reactions is recommended and seeking medical advice if symptoms appear.
To pets
Ninebark, including the variety Physocarpus opulifolius 'Angel Gold' ('Minange'), is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, it is still advisable to prevent pets from ingesting parts of ornamental plants as they can potentially cause gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions. If your pet does ingest some part of the plant, monitor for signs of digestive upset and contact a veterinarian if any concerns arise.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Yellow-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
North America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Foliage: The Angel Gold variety of Ninebark features bright golden-yellow leaves, adding a colorful splash to any garden or landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Ninebark is known for being a hardy plant, requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Disease Resistance: This variant of Ninebark is generally resistant to many common pests and diseases, ensuring a healthier plant with less need for chemical treatments.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides year-round interest with its vibrant foliage, spring blossoms, and peeling winter bark.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Ninebark can tolerate periods of drought, making it a practical choice for water-wise gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract butterflies and beneficial pollinators, while the dense foliage can provide shelter for birds.
- Adaptability: Ninebark can adapt to a wide range of soil types as long as there is good drainage.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Photography Backdrop: Ninebark's vibrant gold foliage can be used as a stunning natural backdrop in outdoor photography, adding depth and a pop of color to the composition.
- Fabric Dyeing: The leaves of the Ninebark may be used in natural dyeing processes to impart colors to fabrics, although the exact hues achieved would depend on the mordants and processes used.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may find inspiration in the intricate patterns and textures of Ninebark's peeling bark and use it in their work, from paintings to sculpture.
- Craft Material: The stems and twigs can be harvested and used in crafting for wreath making, providing a sturdy and visually interesting base around which other materials may be woven.
- Education: Ninebark can serve as a teaching tool in botany and horticulture classes, demonstrating plant growth, propagation, and deciduous shrub characteristics.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense, twiggy nature of Ninebark can offer shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals within a garden setting.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in groups or as a hedge, it can serve as a privacy screen while also adding aesthetic value to landscape designs.
- Seasonal Decorations: Branches with seed pods and the textured bark can be incorporated into fall and winter decorations, providing a natural and rustic look.
- Frosty Accents: In cold climates, the frosted leaves and ice-covered branches of Ninebark can become a beautiful feature in a winter garden, capturing the essence of the season.
- Water Feature Accent: Planted near ponds or stream beds, Ninebark can provide visual contrast and stabilize banks with its root system.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Ninebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Ninebark is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Renewal: The Physocarpus opulifolius, commonly known as Ninebark, is a plant that sheds its bark to reveal new layers of skin beneath, which can symbolize new beginnings and a fresh start.
- Adaptability: Ninebark is known for being extremely hardy and able to adapt to various soil conditions and environments, symbolizing flexibility and resilience in the face of change.
- Protection: Historically, the wood of the Ninebark was believed to be used by indigenous peoples for making tools and containers. This use can symbolize a protective quality, where the plant serves as a guardian or shield.
- Water
Ninebark should be watered deeply once a week, allowing soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, especially in the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. When watering, apply about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant, focusing on the root zone. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, so direct the water at the base of the plant. During winter, reduce watering frequency, as the plant requires less moisture due to slower growth.
- Light
Ninebark prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would provide at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Too little light can result in fewer flowers and a less vibrant foliage color. If you are planting it in a garden, make sure it is in a position where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day for optimal growth and coloration.
- Temperature
Ninebark thrives in a wide range of temperatures, handling a maximum around 100°F and can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F. It performs best in moderate climates where temperatures are typically between 60°F and 85°F. This shrub is quite hardy and adaptable to various temperature conditions, making it an excellent choice for many gardens.
- Pruning
Ninebark should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out the center of the plant to improve air circulation. Every few years, consider rejuvenating the plant by cutting it back to about two feet above ground level to promote fresh growth. The best time for more extensive pruning is after the plant has flowered if you wish to shape it or maintain a particular size.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Ninebark 'Angel Gold' prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix would include loamy soil, compost, and a small amount of sand to improve drainage. Amending the soil with organic matter will provide nutrients and help retain moisture while still allowing excess water to escape, ensuring the roots do not become waterlogged.
- Repotting
Ninebark 'Angel Gold' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is a shrub meant for outdoor growth. It may only need repotting or transplanting if it outgrows its space or when initially planting the shrub in the landscape. Once established, repotting is rarely necessary unless renewal of the soil or division of the plant is desired.
- Humidity & Misting
Ninebark 'Angel Gold' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require any specific humidity level to thrive. As a hardy shrub, it can tolerate the naturally occurring humidity in most outdoor environments where it is suitable to be grown.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; Ninebark thrives outdoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sun; ensure moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
- Life cycle
Physocarpus opulifolius Angel Gold, commonly known as Ninebark 'Angel Gold' begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating when conditions of temperature and moisture are right. Upon sprouting, it develops a root system and produces its first set of true leaves, entering the vegetative stage where it focuses on growth. As a deciduous shrub, it undergoes an annual cycle of leafing out in the spring, followed by rapid vegetative growth and then blossoming in early summer with clusters of small, white or pink flowers. After pollination, the flowers develop into small red fruits (follicles) by late summer, which mature and release seeds for dispersal. In the fall, the shrub's leaves turn colorful shades before being shed as it enters dormancy for the winter. Lastly, with the return of favorable conditions in the spring, the plant breaks dormancy and begins a new growth cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Ninebark 'Angel Gold' ('Minange') is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when new growth is still supple. To undertake this propagation method, one would cut a stem from a healthy parent plant, making sure the cutting is approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long with several leaf nodes. The leaves on the lower half are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be inserted into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least two leaf nodes are buried. The cutting needs to be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. After root establishment, the new Ninebark plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being planted out in its permanent location.