Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nugget'
ABOUT
The Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nugget', commonly known as Ninebark 'Nugget', is a deciduous shrub known for its appealing foliage and decorative appearance. It boasts leaves with a golden yellow hue that can transform into shades of lime green as the seasons progress. These leaves are typically three-lobed, resembling a maple leaf in shape, and create a dense, rounded form that provides visual interest and texture to garden landscapes. In addition to the attractive foliage, Ninebark 'Nugget' produces clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers in the spring, which stand out against the bright leaves. The flowers give way to red berry-like fruits that mature to a dry, brown capsule, persisting into winter and adding to the plant's year-round interest. The bark of Ninebark 'Nugget' is exfoliating, meaning it peels back in layers, revealing an underbark that is usually a lighter color. This characteristic offers additional winter appeal, as the exfoliating bark provides a contrasting texture against the dormant foliage or snow. Overall, Ninebark 'Nugget' is a versatile and ornamental shrub that brings a splash of color and varied textures to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Eastern Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, Common Ninebark.
Common names
Physocarpus opulifolius.
ToxicityTo humans
Ninebark, including the 'Nugget' variety, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that ingesting parts of the plant would lead to poisoning. As with many plants, individual sensitivity can vary, and some people might experience mild stomach upset if they consume plant material, but serious health consequences are not commonly associated with the Ninebark.
To pets
Ninebark is not typically listed as a toxic plant to pets. However, as pets can sometimes have unexpected reactions to plants, it is always best to discourage them from eating any plant material. Ingesting parts of the Ninebark might result in mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some pets, but pronounced symptoms of poisoning or severe health consequences are generally not expected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its golden to lime green foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: Exhibits white to light pink flowers in spring, and foliage may turn to a rich bronze in fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers can attract pollinators like bees, and birds may feed on its fruit.
- Adaptable Growth: Thrives in a wide range of soil conditions and tolerates urban pollution, making it versatile for various settings.
- Privacy Screen: Dense growth habit can provide privacy when planted in groups or as a hedge.
- Erosion Control: Can help in stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion due to its fibrous root system.
- Winter Interest: The peeling bark and persistent fruit capsules provide visual interest even in winter.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creating a natural barrier: Ninebark 'Nugget' can be planted closely together to form a natural hedge or living fence due to its thick foliage and fast-growing habit.
- Supporting wildlife: The dense branches and leaves provide excellent shelter for birds and small mammals, making it a beneficial addition to wildlife gardens.
- Erosion control: With its extensive root system, Ninebark 'Nugget' can help stabilize soil on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
- Seasonal interest: Its attractive yellow to chartreuse leaves and peeling bark offer visual interest throughout multiple seasons, making it a choice plant for year-round garden appeal.
- Rain garden inclusion: Ninebark 'Nugget' tolerates wet conditions well, making it suitable for planting in rain gardens where it can help manage water runoff.
- Educational resource: This plant can be used in educational settings, such as schools or nature centers, to teach about native plant species and their role in local ecosystems.
- Photography subject: The distinctive foliage and clusters of white to pink flowers provide unique photographic opportunities, especially for close-up nature photography.
- Winter contrast: The exfoliating bark of Ninebark 'Nugget' stands out against snow in the winter, adding contrast and interest to otherwise barren landscapes.
- Theme gardens: Its unique foliage color makes it a fitting addition to gold or chartreuse-themed gardens that focus on foliage rather than flowers.
- Dried arrangements: Ninebark 'Nugget' branches can be harvested and dried for use in floral arrangements and craft projects, providing a rustic touch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ninebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ninebark is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transformation: The 'Nugget' variety of Ninebark, as indicated by its vibrant foliage that changes color through the seasons, symbolizes transformation and adaptability in life.
- Resilience: Ninebark is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
- Protection: With its dense and sometimes thorny branches, Ninebark can serve as a protective barrier, symbolizing shelter and protection.
WaterThe Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nugget') prefers consistent moisture, but it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It's essential to water the plant deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the root zone. For newly planted shrubs, water them every other day for the first week and then switch to 1 inch of water per week. As the Ninebark matures, water it with about 1 gallon per square yard every week if there is no rain, adjusting the amount during hot, dry periods or if rainfall occurs. Be careful not to overwater, as Ninebark doesn't like soggy conditions.
LightNinebark thrives best in full sun to partial shade. This means it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also benefit from some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. Choose a location that is bright and receives ample morning light for the strongest growth and best foliage color.
TemperatureNinebark is a hardy shrub that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for many gardens. It can survive temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 100°F, although it grows best in moderate conditions. Ideally, maintaining an environment that doesn't consistently exceed 85°F or drop below 60°F will support healthy growth.
PruningPruning Ninebark is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut away any dead or damaged branches, and thin out the center of the plant to allow light and air circulation. Prune annually, and for size control or rejuvenation, prune up to one-third of the oldest stems down to the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNinebark 'Nugget' prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A soil mixture of garden soil, peat moss, and compost works well to provide the needed aeration and fertility. Incorporating perlite or sand can improve drainage, which is essential to avoid root rot in this shrub.
RepottingNinebark 'Nugget' is typically a landscape shrub and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in a container, it should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, using fresh soil mix as described previously.
Humidity & MistingNinebark 'Nugget' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. It thrives outdoors where the natural environment provides suitable humidity levels without the need for human intervention.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Ninebark in bright, indirect light; no other special indoor care.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade; water regularly; mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nugget' is Ninebark. The life cycle begins with seed germination, which requires stratification to break dormancy. The seedling establishes roots and a shoot system, eventually growing into a mature shrub that can reach up to 8 feet tall. During spring, Ninebark produces clusters of white or pinkish flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, it develops small fruit called follicles that release seeds when they dry and split open. The plant goes through a period of dormancy during winter before starting a new growth cycle in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Ninebark 'Nugget', which is the common name for Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nugget', can typically be propagated by softwood cuttings during late spring or early summer. This involves cutting a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) piece from the end of a young, healthy stem, making sure that there are several leaves on the cutting. The lower leaves are then removed and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium. To maintain high humidity around the cutting, which is crucial for root development, the pot can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator. The cuttings should be kept in a bright, but not direct sunlight location, and the medium should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. After several weeks, once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being planted out.
