How to Grow Darts Gold Ninebark - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Darts gold ninebark is a beautiful and easy to grow deciduous shrub that is perfect for foundation plantings or as an accent in the landscape. It features pretty, yellowish-green leaves that turn a stunning burgundy-red in the fall. Clusters of white flowers bloom in the spring, and the berries that follow attract birds and other wildlife to the garden.

How to Grow Darts Gold Ninebark - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Hardhack
  • Arrowwood
  • Dogwood
  • Buckthorn
  • Sumac

Basic info

  • Darts gold ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius "Darts Gold") is a small deciduous shrub that is native to North America.
  • It is a member of the Rose family (Rosaceae).
  • The plant typically grows to a height of 6-8 feet and a width of 4-6 feet.
  • The leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape and are a bright golden yellow color.
  • The flowers are small and white and appear in clusters.
  • The fruit is a small, dark-colored drupe.
  • The plant is often used as an ornamental shrub in gardens and landscapes.
  • Darts gold ninebark is relatively easy to grow and is tolerant of a variety of soil and growing conditions.
  • The plant is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and aphids.
  • The plant can be propagated by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.

Related plant:
Physocarpus Opulifolius Darts Gold

How to Grow

  1. For darts gold ninebark, first step is to soak the tree seed for 12-24 hours before sowing.
  2. Fill a pot or container with well-draining potting mix or seed-starting mix.
  3. Sow the darts gold ninebark tree seed on the surface of the mix and lightly press into the mix.
  4. Water the seed lightly and place the pot or container in a warm, bright location.
  5. Keep the seed moist and water as needed to prevent the mix from drying out.
  6. Germination usually occurs within 4-8 weeks.
  7. Once the seedlings emerge, thin out the weaker seedlings, leaving only the strongest seedling.
  8. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots or containers when they are large enough to handle.
  9. Grow the darts gold ninebark seedlings in a bright location and water as needed to keep the soil moist.
  10. Fertilize the seedlings monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer.

The Soil

About soil condition, ninebark is not too particular and can adapt to most soil types as long as it is well-drained. It does best in moist, loamy soil, but can tolerate some dryness. It also prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.

About light

So, like the other ninebarks, darts gold ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dartsgold') is a deciduous shrub that's easy to grow and maintain. It's a vigorous plant that can reach up to 10 feet tall and wide, so it's perfect for creating privacy screens and hedges. One of the best things about darts gold ninebark is its beautiful golden foliage, which is illuminated even more when planted in full sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for the darts gold ninebark is that it should be kept in an area with full sun and a temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may not bloom.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60%-70%. Too much or too little moisture in the air can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. The plant will also start to produce fewer flowers if the humidity drops below 60%.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this plant doesn't seem to be too demanding and I have had success with a variety of products. I have used both organic and inorganic fertilizers with good results. As far as the root system goes, this plant is very deep rooted so make sure you have a good sized hole for it. I have also found that it is very drought tolerant once it is established.

Plant Pruning

Pruning ninebark is best done in late winter to early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back one-third to one-half of the previous year's growth. Ninebark can also be pruned hard in late spring to early summer, after it has finished blooming.

About Propagating

Propagation is best carried out by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. These can be rooted under mist with bottom heat, or in a propagator. Cuttings should be taken from young, non-flowering shoots, and be around 10-15cm (4-6in) long. Use a sharp knife to make a clean cut just below a leaf node, removing any leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the base of the cutting into hormone rooting powder, then insert it into moistened potting compost or perlite. Firm gently and water well. Place in a propagator or cover with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to medium. However, under the proper conditions, some plants may grow rapidly. The best growth occurs in full sun and moist, well-drained soils. Plants grown in partial shade or in dry soils will have a slower growth rate.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot. Problems with powdery mildew can be treated with fungicide, while leaf spot can be controlled by removing affected leaves and destroying them.

List to Know

  • Make sure to plant darts gold ninebark in an area that receives full sun.
  • This shrub does best in well-drained soil.
  • When first planting, water the shrub deeply and regularly until it becomes established.
  • Once established, darts gold ninebark is relatively drought tolerant.
  • To encourage new growth, prune the plant in early spring.
  • This plant is relatively pest and disease resistant.
  • Deer may nibble on the leaves of darts gold ninebark, so consider planting it in an area where deer are not a problem.
  • The shrub can spread aggressively through underground runners, so consider controlling its spread if you do not want it taking over your garden.
  • Darts gold ninebark is a relatively fast-growing plant, so it can be used to quickly fill in an empty spot in your landscape.
  • This plant can

Alternative Plants

  • Diarrhena americana - native name: k'eets'o'ol siwiich'
  • Diarrhena obovata - native name: k'eets'o'ol siwiich'
  • Diarrhena latifolia - native name: k'eets'o'ol siwiich'
  • Diarrhena japonica - native name: Shiwiich' he'she'
  • Diarrhena glabra - native name: k'eets'o'ol siwiich'
  • Diarrhena gracilis - native name: k'eets'o'ol siwiich'
  • Diarrhena stenophylla - native name: k'eets'o'ol siwiich'
  • Diarrhena pulchella -

Source:
Physocarpus opulifolius - Ninebark - ucanr.edu
Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)-Hort Answers
Effects of New Cultivars of Ninebark on Feeding and ... - academia.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category