Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron'
ABOUT
The Red Baron Ninebark is a captivating ornamental shrub that adds a splash of vibrant color to any garden space. It is renowned for its striking foliage and overall visual impact. This deciduous plant boasts leaves that are a deep, rich red when they first emerge in spring. As the seasons progress, the foliage evolves, transitioning to a purplish red that provides a dramatic backdrop in garden beds. Adding to its decorative attributes are the flowers of the Red Baron Ninebark, which appear in the late spring to early summer. These flowers are small and sparsely arranged in clusters, with a creamy-white to light pink color that softly contrasts with the dark hues of the leaves. As the flowering season ends, the plant produces small, reddish fruit that further adds to its seasonal interest. The bark of the Red Baron Ninebark is yet another defining feature, peeling in strips to reveal layers of reddish to light brown underneath, creating a textured look that is especially appealing in the winter months after the leaves have fallen. This characteristic exfoliating bark gives the Ninebark its common name and provides a touch of winter interest even when the garden is dormant. Overall, the Red Baron Ninebark is a plant that offers year-round visual appeal with its dynamic foliage colors, dainty flowers, attractive fruit, and exfoliating bark, making it a favored selection for gardeners looking to add enduring color and texture to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, Common Ninebark.
Common names
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron'.
ToxicityTo humans
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion of this plant and it is generally considered safe around humans with regard to its toxicity. While it is not known to be poisonous, it is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants as a general safety precaution.
To pets
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron') is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants that are poisonous to dogs, cats, or other household pets. However, as with humans, it is always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plant material, especially if the pet has a tendency to eat large amounts of foliage, which can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset simply due to the ingestion of non-digestible matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Red
Flower color
Pink
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 Appeal: 'Red Baron' ninebark features striking reddish foliage that provides a bold color contrast in landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: Ninebark is adaptable to a wide range of soils and conditions, making it easy for gardeners of all skill levels to cultivate.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, ninebark is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, reducing the need for irrigation and upkeep.
- Pest and Disease Resistant: The plant exhibits resistance to many common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the seeds provide food for birds.
- Seasonal Interest: Ninebark offers year-round interest with spring flowers, summer foliage, autumn leaf color, and exfoliating winter bark.
- Privacy and Screening: With its dense growth habit, ninebark can be used for creating privacy screens or as part of hedgerows.
- Erosion Control: The plant's extensive root system helps to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
- Native Planting: Being native to North America, ninebark is an excellent choice for naturalistic and wildlife gardens.
- Versatile Landscaping: Suitable for various landscape applications, including mixed borders, foundation plantings, and as a specimen plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron', commonly known as Ninebark, can be used for natural dye production. The bark and leaves may yield varying shades of dyes for textiles.
- In crafts, the peeling bark of Ninebark can add a rustic appeal to wreaths or as a natural decorative element in floral arrangements.
- As a wildlife garden plant, Ninebark provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, enhancing biodiversity in garden settings.
- Photographers and artists might use Ninebark as a subject for their work due to its distinctive foliage and bark patterns, especially the 'Red Baron' variety with its deep colors.
- Ninebark branches can be used in aquariums to provide natural hiding spots and to promote a healthy environment for fish.
- The wood of Ninebark, being hard and durable, can be used for making small wood carvings or as part of rustic furniture elements.
- Ninebark can be grown as a natural windbreak or screening plant, providing privacy and reducing wind speed in landscapes and gardens.
- The sturdy stems of Ninebark can be used as natural stakes for supporting other plants in the garden.
- Insect enthusiasts might utilize Ninebark to attract and study various species of moths and butterflies that are drawn to the plant.
- During fall, the foliage of Ninebark provides a valuable visual contribution to the garden, extending the interest beyond the flowering season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiNinebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityNinebark is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The strong and hardy nature of the Ninebark, which allows it to thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizes the ability to endure and recover from adversity.
- Versatility: Ninebark's adaptability in landscaping represents versatility and the ability to thrive in various environments and situations.
- Transformation: The plant's exfoliating bark that reveals multiple layers symbolizes personal growth and the continuous process of change and transformation.
WaterNinebark, including the 'Red Baron' variety, should be watered regularly during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant and will only require watering during prolonged dry spells. During the initial growth period, water the plant deeply at least once a week, ensuring that the soil is moistened to a depth of about 10-12 inches. After establishment, reduce the frequency to whenever the top 3 inches of soil are dry. Generally, assuming average conditions, this equates to about 1 gallon per week for young plants, with mature shrubs needing water only a few times during the growing season unless there are hot, dry conditions.
LightNinebark, including the 'Red Baron' variant, thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which ensures vibrant foliage color and optimum growth. They are adaptable, however, and can tolerate some shade, but too much can lead to sparse foliage and less vigorous growth.
TemperatureNinebark 'Red Baron' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures; it grows best in zones 3 to 7. The shrub can survive winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate summer temperatures up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit without stress. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth typically ranges between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningNinebark 'Red Baron' should be pruned for shaping and removal of damaged or dead branches, which can be done at any time. However, the best time for more extensive pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This encourages a healthy structure and rejuvenates the plant, promoting more vigorous growth and flowering. Annual pruning is typically recommended, though older shrubs may benefit from rejuvenation pruning every few years, in which the shrub is cut back to the ground to restore its form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNinebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron') thrives in a well-draining soil mix that's rich in organic matter. A blend of loamy garden soil, peat or compost, and sharp sand or perlite works well. The ideal soil pH for Ninebark ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingNinebark, or Eastern Ninebark, generally does not require frequent repotting as it is a large shrub. When planted in the landscape, repotting is not necessary, but ensure there's enough space for its growth.
Humidity & MistingEastern Ninebark is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions. It thrives in outdoor environments where the humidity levels are typical of temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, prune to shape, keep soil moderately dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil, drought tolerant.
Hardiness zone
2-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Ninebark 'Red Baron' (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron') begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or potted young specimen. After planting, it enters a growth stage in spring where leaves emerge alongside distinctive reddish-purple foliage, swiftly followed by clusters of pink or white flowers that attract pollinators. Post-flowering, in late summer to fall, the plant produces small red fruit (involucres) that may attract birds. Throughout the growing season, Ninebark 'Red Baron' experiences vegetative growth, increasing in both height and spread. As a deciduous shrub, it sheds its leaves in fall, entering a period of dormancy during the winter. The cycle recommences in spring, with the plant sprouting new growth and repeating the aforementioned stages annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Ninebark 'Red Baron' can be propagated most effectively through softwood cuttings. This popular method is usually done in late spring or early summer when new growth is green and flexible. Cut a 4- to 6-inch (10–15 cm) length from a healthy stem, ensuring at least two sets of leaves remain on the cutting. It's important to make the cut just below a leaf node, as this is where rooting hormones are concentrated. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in indirect light until roots develop, usually within a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
