Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine = 'Smpotw' (PBR)
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ABOUT
The Tiny Wine Ninebark is a compact, ornamental shrub that stands out with its stunning foliage and seasonal interest. Its leaves emerge in the spring with a warm, bronze to burgundy hue, providing a beautiful contrast to the more common greens found in the garden. As the plant matures through the growing season, the foliage transitions to a deep purple or almost wine color, giving the plant its distinctive name. The Ninebark produces clusters of small, button-like flowers in late spring to early summer. These blossoms are typically pink or white, which pop against the dark foliage, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden. After the flowering period, the plant develops small red to purple fruits that may attract birds and provide additional visual interest. One of the remarkable features of the Tiny Wine Ninebark is its exfoliating bark, which peels away in strips to reveal a multi-toned underbark. This characteristic adds winter interest to the shrub, as the peeling process exposes layers of rich browns and tans against the often stark winter landscape. Throughout the year, the Tiny Wine Ninebark adds texture and color to the garden with its compact, mounded habit and finely textured leaves. It presents itself as a dense, rounded bush with a branching structure that can provide a visual anchor in landscape design or work as part of a mixed shrub border for year-round appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Ninebark, Tiny Wine Ninebark, Dwarf Ninebark
Common names
Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine = 'Smpotw' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Ninebark, including the variety Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no well-documented toxicity associated with this plant, and it is not known to cause poisoning if ingested. Therefore, no symptoms of poisoning are expected. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities may vary, and it is advisable to avoid ingesting plant material that is not meant for consumption.
To pets
Ninebark, including the variety Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine, is not listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. This suggests that the consumption of parts of this plant would not typically result in poisoning or produce symptoms commonly associated with toxic plant ingestions in pets. Nevertheless, ingestion of non-food items can cause gastrointestinal upset in animals, so it is still best to discourage pets from eating plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Burgundy
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact Size: Ideal for small gardens and limited spaces due to its dwarf nature.
- Ornamental Appeal: Offers year-round interest with its finely textured leaves, spring flowers, and fall color change.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and can thrive without frequent care.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance for periods of dry weather.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common garden pests and diseases.
- Versatile Use: Can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including borders, hedges, and as a specimen plant.
- Fast Growth: Exhibits a quicker growth rate which is good for gardeners looking to establish a landscape quickly.
- Native Plant Advantage: As a North American native, it can enhance local biodiversity and support wildlife.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Ninebark's vibrant foliage and attractive blooms can be used by photographers to add depth and interest to garden photography sessions.
- Crafts Material: The stems and dried flower heads can be used in making bouquets or decorations to provide a rustic charm to crafts projects.
- Seasonal Decor: In the autumn, ninebark leaves change color, making them a great natural addition to fall decor arrangements.
- Insect Shelter: The dense foliage provides a habitat for beneficial insects, which can be a natural form of pest control in the garden.
- Natural Dye: The bark and leaves may serve as a source of natural dye for fabrics, though specific recipes and results can vary.
- Education: Ninebark can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, pruning techniques, and seasonal changes in deciduous shrubs.
- Soil Erosion Control: The plant can be used in landscaping to stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its extensive root system.
- Wildlife Garden: Its flowers and seeds can attract birds and bees, making ninebark a suitable plant for a wildlife-friendly garden space.
- Winter Interest: With its exfoliating bark and branching structure, ninebark adds visual interest to winter landscapes when many other plants are dormant.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in groups, ninebark can create an informal hedge or screen, offering privacy from neighbors or street views.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ninebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ninebark is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Physocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine, commonly known as Ninebark, is a hardy shrub that can withstand a variety of difficult conditions, which makes it symbolic for resilience and the ability to cope with adversity.
- Versatility: Ninebark's adaptability to different environments and its ease of care represent flexibility and versatility, indicating a willingness to thrive in diverse situations.
- Simplicity: With its uncomplicated care requirements and modest appearance, Ninebark embodies simplicity and unpretentious beauty, suggesting that there is elegance in simplicity.
- Protection: The plant's dense foliage and ability to form a thick hedge have historically been used for privacy and protection, symbolizing safety and shelter.
WaterThe Ninebark 'Tiny Wine' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry periods, increase watering to twice per week. Provide approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each watering session to support the root system properly. Cut back on watering during the fall to prepare the plant for winter, and during winter, water sparingly, only enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
LightNinebark 'Tiny Wine' thrives in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be placed in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much shade can lead to reduced flowering and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureNinebark 'Tiny Wine' is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -30°F and up to 100°F, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 80°F during the active growing season.
PruningPrune Ninebark 'Tiny Wine' to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant can tolerate heavy pruning if necessary; however, it is typically sufficient to prune lightly to medium each year to encourage dense foliage and a neat appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNinebark 'Tiny Wine' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of two-thirds garden soil and one-third compost or well-rotted manure will provide good nutrition and structure. Mulching annually will help maintain soil moisture and add organic matter over time.
RepottingNinebark 'Tiny Wine' is not commonly grown in containers and therefore does not have a frequent repotting schedule. Plant it in the ground for best results, where it should not need repotting.
Humidity & MistingNinebark 'Tiny Wine' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the varying conditions typically found outdoors. Indoor humidity levels are generally not a concern for this hardy shrub.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temp, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cyclePhysocarpus opulifolius Tiny Wine, commonly known as the Ninebark 'Tiny Wine', begins its life as a seed which germinates in moist, well-drained soil. Upon sprouting, the seedling develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic bronze-maroon foliage, progressing through a vegetative stage where it establishes a strong root system and begins to form a woody stem. As the plant matures, it enters its reproductive phase, typically in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into small red to purple fruits (inconspicuous dry capsules) which, upon maturity, release seeds to propagate the next generation. Throughout its life, the Ninebark 'Tiny Wine' undergoes seasonal cycles of growth and dormancy, with foliage turning to attractive shades of red and purple in autumn before leaf fall, and the plant entering dormancy in winter. This deciduous shrub may live and thrive for many years with proper care, repeating this life cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Ninebark 'Tiny Wine', a variety of Physocarpus opulifolius, can be propagated through softwood cuttings typically in late spring to early summer, when new growth is still flexible but starting to mature. This is the most popular method of propagation for this plant. The process involves taking cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (around 10 to 15 centimeters) in length from healthy, disease-free branches. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Afterwards, the cutting should be placed in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and covered with a plastic bag or dome to maintain high humidity. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being planted out.
