Summer Wine Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius Summer Wine = 'Seward' (PBR)

Water

The Ninebark 'Summer Wine' should be watered deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is more drought tolerant and requires less frequent watering. On average, providing about an inch of water once a week, whether from rainfall or manual watering, should be sufficient. This can be adjusted depending on weather conditions; more water may be necessary during periods of extreme heat or dryness. Water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.

Light

Ninebark 'Summer Wine' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and bloom. The ideal spot would be one where the plant is exposed to morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in regions with very hot summers, to prevent leaf scorch.

Temperature

Ninebark 'Summer Wine' is a hardy shrub that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is suitable for USDA zones 3 through 8. It can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to -30°F to -40°F. For optimal growth, it prefers a temperature range between 60°F to 80°F. The plant may experience stress if temperatures exceed 85°F to 90°F for prolonged periods.

Pruning

Prune Ninebark 'Summer Wine' in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and promote vigorous growth. Pruning at this time helps to remove any dead or damaged wood and encourages new growth which is vibrant and healthy. Annually removing about one-third of the oldest stems can rejuvenate the plant and enhance its flowering. The best time for a more thorough shaping is immediately after the plant has finished blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Ninebark 'Summer Wine' prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slight acidity to neutral pH, roughly between a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix for this plant would include loamy garden soil, compost, and some coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. Mulching is recommended to maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Repotting

Ninebark 'Summer Wine' is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. In landscape settings, it is not repotted but may need transplanting if it outgrows its space. In containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Ninebark 'Summer Wine' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and grows well in the natural outdoor humidity found in its hardiness zones. It does not have specific humidity requirements but prefers ambient outdoor conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not ideal for indoor growth; requires full sun, ample space.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade; water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Ninebark 'Summer Wine' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate, typically in spring when soil temperatures warm up. The seedlings establish themselves quickly, developing into young plants with characteristic dark burgundy leaves. As the plant enters its vegetative stage, it grows rapidly, branching out to form its rounded shape. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, with the Ninebark producing clusters of pinkish-white flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers give way to small red fruit, which mature to a dry, papery texture and can disperse seeds for the next generation. As a perennial, Ninebark 'Summer Wine' may die back in the winter, but it resprouts from the root system when conditions become favorable again in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Summer to Autumn

• The most popular method of propagation for the Ninebark 'Summer Wine' is through softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer when the new growth is just beginning to harden. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would cut a piece of the stem 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring there are several leaves on the cutting, and that the bottom cut is made just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then removed and the stem is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and the cutting should be placed in a bright, indirect light until roots develop, which may take several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transferred to a larger pot or planted directly into the garden.