Little joker ninebark is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It has small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer. The leaves are dark green and turn red in the fall. The fruit is a small, dark-purple drupe.
Related plant:
Photinia Little Red Robin
Related plant:
Little Moses Burning Bush
About soil , Little Joker ninebark grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It will even grow in poor, dry soils, but it may be less vigorous in such conditions. This shrub tolerates some degree of salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal regions.
Just like other Ninebarks, the Little Joker Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Joker') is a deciduous shrub that's noted for its pretty, exfoliating bark. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant that's easy to grow. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. It's drought-tolerant once established and is resistant to deer and rabbits.
The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the little joker ninebark is between the range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is known to be a hardy plant and can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the plant will not grow as well in cooler temperatures.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. watering once a day should be suffice however, during hot weather, watering twice a day may be necessary to keep the soil moist but not soggy. If the leaves of the plant start to droop, it is an indication that the plant is not getting enough water.
The fertilizer, this kind of plant feeds on, is found in the leaves and root. The root system is very important to joker ninebarks. They are known to have a large network of roots that help to support the plant. The roots are also used to store water and nutrients.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your little joker ninebark healthy and looking its best. You'll need to prune away any dead or dying branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant, or to encourage new growth.
Propagation is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from late spring through early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth. Cuttings should be placed in moistened perlite or sand and covered with plastic to maintain humidity. Rooting hormone can be used to encourage root development. Cuttings should be kept at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into pots or outdoors.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 to 2 feet per year. Some ninebarks have been known to grow 3 feet in a year, but this is not the norm. When planting a little joker ninebark, keep in mind that it will slowly spread outwards as it grows taller. If you want to control its growth or keep it in a certain area, you will need to regularly trim it back.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture in the air or on the plant. To prevent these problems, make sure to water the plant at the base and not from above. Allow the plant to dry out between watering. If the plant is in an area that is too wet, consider moving it to a drier location.
Source:
Physocarpus opulifolius (Atlantic Ninebark, Common Ninebark,
Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) - Selecting Shrubs
Nugget Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius Nugget) - SDSU
