Pacific ninebark Physocarpus capitatus 'Tilden Park'

Water

The Pacific Ninebark should be watered deeply, ensuring the soil is moist after each watering session. It typically requires watering once a week but may need more frequent watering during periods of drought or extreme heat. An average amount of about 1 to 2 gallons per week should suffice for established plants, but newly planted specimens may require watering every few days until their root systems are well established. During the winter months, reduce watering, but do not let the soil become completely dry.

Light

Pacific Ninebark thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for this plant is where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. If planted in too much shade, the shrub may not bloom as prolifically and its habit can become leggy.

Temperature

Pacific Ninebark is hardy and tolerates a range of temperatures, thriving ideally at temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum summer temperatures well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Pacific Ninebark is necessary to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. It's recommended to prune this shrub every 2 to 3 years, cutting back about a third of the oldest branches to the ground to encourage fresh growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus 'Tilden Park') prefers a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A blend of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand in equal parts works well. The ideal soil pH for Ninebark should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 5.5 to 7.

Repotting

Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus 'Tilden Park') does not need frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 3-4 years. When the plant shows signs of being root-bound or when the soil is depleted, repotting should be considered.

Humidity & Misting

Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus 'Tilden Park') is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. It thrives outdoors where the native humidity level is generally sufficient.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Moderate light, infrequent water, don't overpot.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to part shade, mulch, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Physocarpus capitatus 'Tilden Park', commonly known as the Pacific ninebark, begins its life as a seed that germinates in spring when soil temperatures and moisture conditions are favorable. After sprouting, the seedling goes through a vegetative stage, developing a root system and foliage, and can rapidly grow into a multi-stemmed shrub. The plant reaches maturity in a few years, producing clusters of white to pinkish flowers in late spring to early summer, which are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into small red-brown fruits (follicles) that mature by autumn and release seeds for dispersal. Over several years, the shrub experiences periods of active growth and dormancy, aligning with seasonal changes, with leaves appearing in spring and falling after turning colors in the autumn. The plant's life can span several decades, after which it will die and decompose, contributing to the nutrient cycle of its ecosystem.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Ninebark 'Tilden Park', known for its attractive foliage and ease of cultivation, can be propagated by methods such as softwood cuttings, which are generally taken in late spring to early summer when new growth is mature enough yet still flexible. For this popular technique, a cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long is taken from a healthy, established plant. The lower leaves are stripped off to reveal the nodes, as this is the point where root growth is most likely to occur. The base of the cutting is often dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. Then, the prepared cutting is placed in a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and provided with adequate warmth and indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. During this time, maintaining a high humidity environment can be beneficial for root development, sometimes achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse setting.