Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius Summer Moon = 'Tuimon'
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ABOUT
Summer Moon is a captivating shrub with multi-seasonal appeal, known for its distinctive foliage and flowers. Throughout the season, its leaves present a lush backdrop of deep, burgundy to purple tones which beautifully contrast with the clusters of blossoms it produces. In the blooming period, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, this plant becomes adorned with rounded flower clusters known as corymbs. These blossoms are a creamy white color, providing a stunning visual display that resembles a full moon against the dark nighttime sky, hence the cultivar name 'Summer Moon'. As the flowers fade, its appeal continues, with small, reddish to brown fruit capsules taking the place of the blossoms, adding interest to the autumn garden. The bark of Summer Moon also contributes to its year-round attractiveness, exfoliating in strips to reveal a varied texture and coloration ranging from shades of brown to subtle tints of amber. The overall shape of the plant is naturally rounded, and its branches arch gracefully, giving it an elegant, mounded appearance. This combination of features—richly colored foliage, striking blooms, attractive bark, and a pleasing shape—makes Summer Moon an excellent choice for those seeking a visually impactful addition to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, Common Ninebark
Common names
Physocarpus opulifolius Summer Wine = 'Seward', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Mindia' COPPERTINA, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' Diabolo, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Center Glow', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Amber Jubilee', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nanus', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Luteus', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Aureus', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold', Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo'.
ToxicityTo humans
Ninebark, specifically the Physocarpus opulifolius Summer Moon variety, is not known to be toxic to humans. It does not commonly cause poisoning or adverse health effects when touched or ingested.
To pets
Ninebark, including the Physocarpus opulifolius Summer Moon variety, is not recognized as toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is no well-documented evidence of poisoning or serious effects from pets ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Physocarpus opulifolius Summer Moon, commonly known as Summer Wine Ninebark, has attractive foliage that changes color throughout the seasons, providing visual interest.
- Low Maintenance: Summer Wine Ninebark is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this variety of ninebark is tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest and Disease Resistant: Summer Wine Ninebark has a natural resistance to many common pests and diseases, helping it stay healthy without extensive use of chemicals.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of the Summer Wine Ninebark attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the seeds provide food for birds.
- Erosion Control: With its extensive root system, the Summer Wine Ninebark is effective at stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes.
- Year-Round Interest: With its spring flowers, summer foliage, autumn color, and exfoliating winter bark, the Summer Wine Ninebark provides year-round garden interest.
- Versatility: This plant can be used for a variety of purposes in landscaping, including as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or as part of a mixed border.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in groups, Summer Wine Ninebark can provide a dense screen that offers privacy and wind protection.
- Adaptable: Summer Wine Ninebark is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions, making it suitable for many different garden settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: Ninebark 'Summer Wine' can provide a lush, dark background for plant or garden photography, accentuating the colors of the subjects in the foreground.
- Natural Fencing: Its dense growth habit allows it to be used as a living fence or screen for privacy, without the need for traditional building materials.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of ninebark can help anchor soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Garden Sculpture Training: Gardeners can train the flexible branches of young ninebark plants around forms to create living sculptures.
- Winter Interest: Its exfoliating bark creates visual interest in a winter garden when most other plants are dormant.
- Educational Resource: Ninebark can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about native plant species and their role in local ecosystems.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, as well as being host to butterfly larvae.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowering branches can be cut and used in rustic and wild-looking floral arrangements.
- Dye Production: Historically, some parts of ninebark plants were used to produce dyes for textiles, although this is less common today.
- Artistic Inspiration: Its striking appearance, especially during autumn when leaves change color, can inspire artists for painting or crafting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ninebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ninebark is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: The Ninebark, which is the common name of Physocarpus opulifolius, can thrive in various soil conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt and flourish in different life situations.
- Resilience: Ninebark is known for its hardiness, representing strength and the capacity to withstand adversity.
- Renewal: With its peeling bark revealing new layers underneath, Ninebark symbolizes renewal and inner growth.
WaterNinebark 'Summer Moon' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During the growing season or hotter periods, it may require more frequent watering, especially if it's planted in well-draining soil or a sunny location. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as Ninebark prefers even moisture without being soggy. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. If the plant is in a container, it may need to be watered more often, as potted plants tend to dry out more quickly.
LightNinebark 'Summer Moon' prefers full sun to partial shade conditions, thriving in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to sparse foliage and fewer flowers. The ideal spot for Ninebark would allow for morning sun and protection from the intense afternoon heat, which ensures vibrant foliage and optimal growth.
TemperatureNinebark 'Summer Moon' is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, comfortable in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. This plant can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -30 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle summer temperatures well into the 90s. The ideal temperature range for Ninebark would be between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for best growth and flower production.
PruningNinebark 'Summer Moon' should be pruned for shape and size control, to remove any dead or diseased wood, and to encourage healthy new growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning every two to three years is often sufficient unless the plant is used in a formal setting where a specific shape is desired. For rejuvenation, you can cut the plant back to the ground every few years.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNinebark 'Summer Wine' prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, and thrives in a soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and a handful of coarse sand or perlite can create an ideal growing medium for healthy root development.
RepottingNinebark 'Summer Wine' is typically not grown in containers as it is a large shrub, so repotting is not generally applicable. In a landscape, it should be planted in a suitable location where it can grow undisturbed.
Humidity & MistingNinebark 'Summer Wine' is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels, making it suitable for most outdoor gardens without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light; not ideal for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe common ninebark 'Summer Wine', or Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward', begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions, sprouts into a small seedling. The seedling rapidly grows into a young plant with characteristic reddish-purple foliage, gradually establishing a deep root system and woody stems. As it matures, the ninebark enters its flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of pink or white flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small red fruit (infructescences) which are actually inflated seed pods that may persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds. During its active growth period, the ninebark will experience annual cycles of growth, flowering, and senescence, typically with increased branching and size each year. In its final stage, after many years, once the plant's vital functions decline, it will enter senescence, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Ninebark 'Summer Wine' ('Tuimon') is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible but starting to mature. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and contain at least two sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a pot with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one set of leaves is above the soil surface. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a bright, indirect light area until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity levels, but it should be removed occasionally to allow for ventilation.
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