Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold'
ABOUT
The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold', commonly known as the Dart's Gold Ninebark, is a deciduous shrub recognized for its stunning foliage and attractive overall form. Unlike its species counterparts which may exhibit green leaves, the Dart's Gold variety boasts bright golden-yellow leaves that can make a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation. In the spring and early summer, the leaves may take on a more lime-green hue before turning yellow again as the summer progresses. The plant has a natural, arching habit that gives it a casual, yet elegant presence in the landscape. In late spring to early summer, the Dart's Gold Ninebark features small clusters of white to light pink flowers that add a layer of visual interest to the shrub. These flowers are appealing to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing ecological benefits in a garden setting. Following the flowering period, the plant develops small reddish fruit that can persist into winter, providing food for birds and adding a slight ornamental value during the colder months. The exfoliating bark is another characteristic feature of the Ninebark, which reveals layers of reddish to light brown bark, creating an intriguing texture especially notable in the winter landscape after the leaves have fallen. Its vibrant foliage tends to flourish under full sunlight but also performs well in partial shade, displaying a slightly different color intensity depending on light exposure. Throughout the seasons, the Dart's Gold Ninebark transitions through a palette of warm colors, adding year-round interest to plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Eastern Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, Dart's Gold Ninebark.
Common names
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart’s Gold') is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming parts of this plant. However, it is always prudent to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption and their effects can be unpredictable.
To pets
The Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart’s Gold') is also not known to be toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, this plant does not typically pose a risk of poisoning to dogs, cats, or other household pets if they happen to ingest small amounts. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential stomach upset or other problems that can result from ingesting non-food items.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Yellow
Flower color
White
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetic: Adds vibrant gold to yellow foliage to the landscape, creating visual interest and contrast.
- Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soil types, from clay to loam, and is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning; it's a great choice for those looking for easy-care garden options.
- Wildlife Support: Flowers provide nectar for pollinators, and the plant may serve as a host for various butterfly and moth species.
- Year-Round Interest: Features white to pink flowers in spring, attractive foliage through summer, and exfoliating bark in winter.
- Erosion Control: Can be used on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil.
- Hardiness: Resistant to many pests and diseases, and can survive in USDA zones 2-8, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Versatility in Uses: Suitable for hedges, foundations, mixed borders, or as a standalone specimen plant.
- Privacy: Can be grown as a hedge to provide privacy to a garden or yard space.
- Fall Color: Leaves may turn to shades of bronze, orange, or purple in the fall, increasing seasonal interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ninebark shrubs like 'Dart's Gold' can be used to stabilize soil on slopes or banks due to their extensive root systems, which help prevent erosion and support soil structure.
- The dense foliage of Ninebark provides excellent cover for small animals and birds seeking refuge from predators or harsh weather conditions.
- With its attractive golden foliage, Ninebark can be incorporated into cut flower arrangements or used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a unique color that can vary depending on the mordant used.
- Ninebark branches can be used for crafts such as wreath making or as a natural framework for climbing plants when arranged as a trellis in the garden.
- The plant can be used in permaculture designs as part of a guild supporting beneficial insects that contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.
- Ninebark's dense growth can help to diminish noise pollution when planted as a hedge or a privacy screen around property edges.
- During the fall, when the leaves change color, Ninebark can be used to create seasonal decorations, enhancing autumnal themes in landscapes or interior spaces.
- The rough, peeling bark of older Ninebark shrubs can be used for textural contrasts in bark art or naturalistic compositions in landscaping.
- Ninebark is considered a low-flammability plant and can be used in fire-wise landscaping to create defensible spaces around properties in fire-prone areas.
- The shrub's flowers produce nectar which can be a food source for domesticated bees, making it a supportive plant for beekeepers and pollinator gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ninebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ninebark is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Change and Transformation - 'Dart's Gold', commonly known as ninebark, often symbolizes change and transformation due to its distinctive foliage that changes color through the seasons.
- Adaptability - Ninebark's ability to thrive in a variety of conditions from full sun to partial shade, and its tolerance to different soil types, make it representative of adaptability and resilience in various circumstances.
- New Beginnings - The vibrant gold color of the foliage in spring can be emblematic of new beginnings and fresh starts, signaling optimism and growth.
- Perseverance - Given ninebark's hardy and rugged nature, it is often associated with perseverance and the ability to endure challenges without faltering.
WaterNinebarks, including the 'Dart's Gold' variety, prefer consistent moisture but are quite drought tolerant once established. During the first growing season, water them deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. This can equate to roughly 0.6 gallons for a small shrub. After they are established, you can reduce watering, but make sure they get around an inch every couple of weeks during extended dry spells. Avoid overwatering as ninebarks do not like to be in soggy soil.
LightNinebarks, such as 'Dart's Gold', grow best in full sun to partial shade. They will have the brightest gold foliage and best flowering in full sun, which is at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. They can also tolerate light shade, particularly in the afternoon, but their foliage color may not be as vibrant and flowering may be reduced.
TemperatureNinebarks, like 'Dart's Gold', are adaptable and hardy in a range of temperatures, thriving in USDA zones 2 to 8. They can withstand winter temperatures as low as -40°F and summer temperatures up to 100°F. However, the ideal growing temperature for ninebarks is between 60°F and 70°F, which promotes healthy foliage and flowering.
PruningNinebarks, such as 'Dart's Gold', should be pruned to maintain their shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thinning out the oldest stems every few years promotes healthy growth and rejuvenates the plant. Pruning can also be done after flowering if you wish to shape the shrub or control its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNinebark 'Dart's Gold' thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part sand or perlite creates an ideal growing medium. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingNinebark 'Dart's Gold' is not commonly grown as a container plant that requires repotting. In the landscape, it is generally left undisturbed once planted unless it outgrows its space or needs rejuvenation.
Humidity & MistingNinebark 'Dart's Gold' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations when planted in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Ninebark in bright indirect light, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
2-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Ninebark 'Dart's Gold' begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring after stratification over the winter, then sprouts and develops into a seedling. The young plant enters a vegetative stage, producing golden-yellow leaves on arching branches and rapidly growing to establish a strong root system. As it matures, 'Dart's Gold' reaches its reproductive stage, generally after a few years, displaying clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers in spring to early summer which then develop into red fruit that matures to brown. These fruits release seeds, which can disperse to create new plants, whilst the parent plant enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter. Each year, the plant will grow in size and produce more flowers and seeds, undergoing this annual cycle for several decades as it can be a long-lived shrub. Eventually, after many years, the Ninebark 'Dart's Gold' will reach the end of its lifespan and die, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagation for Ninebark 'Dart’s Gold' is through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically performed in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still tender but has begun to mature. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, with several leaves left at the top and the lower leaves removed. The cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to improve success rates before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The environment should be kept humid, and the soil moist until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the garden.
