Pacific ninebark is a versatile, deciduous shrub with a long blooming season. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soils, making it an easy plant to care for. Pacific ninebark is an attractive plant for a variety of landscape uses. It can be used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, as a hedging plant, or in naturalized areas.
Related plant:
Ceanothus Blue Pacific
Related plant:
Coprosma Pacific Sunset
About soil condition, the Pacific ninebark prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, and well-drained soil is a must. It's also important to make sure the soil is not too dry, as the ninebark may suffer in drought conditions. This shrub is tolerant of clay soils, but it does best in loamy soils.
Not too different with other plants, ninebark shrubs need sunlight to grow. However, they are tolerant of a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They do best in full sun, but will also do well in light or dappled shade. Ninebark shrubs will also grow in deep shade, but they may not flower as profusely.
The temperature condition that is best for the Pacific ninebark is full sun to partial shade. This shrub can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives best in moderate to cool conditions. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will not flower or fruit in extremely cold conditions.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. The pacific ninebark does best in air with a low humidity, as this will help to prevent the leaves from browning and wilting. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.
Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant also benefits from occasional feeding. A general-purpose fertilizer will work fine. Apply it according to the package directions starting in early spring. These shrubs have shallow root systems and benefit from a layer of mulch to help keep the roots cool and moist. Be sure to pull the mulch back from the base of the plant so it doesn't touch the stems.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your ninebark healthy and vibrant. While it is possible to prune your ninebark at any time of year, late winter or early spring is the best time to do so. This will give the plant plenty of time to recover from any pruning before the growing season begins. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size.
Propagation of the pacific ninebark is done through rooting of stem cuttings. The best time to take the cuttings is in late summer when the new growth has hardened off. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy stems that are about 6-8 inches long. Cut just below a node, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a location with bright, indirect light. New roots should form within 4-6 weeks, at which point the cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate is fast in the first year or two after planting. However, it can take three to five years for a young plant to reach its full potential size. After that, the plant's growth rate slows down considerably.
Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids and diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot. Aphids are small, green insects that suck the sap from plants. They can cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to become stunted. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungus that grows on the leaves and stems of plants. Leaf spot is a brown or black fungus that grows on the leaves of plants.
Source:
Plant Data Sheet - University of Washington
Ray W. Howard Library: Tree Campus: Pacific Ninebark
Pacific University
