Physocarpus opulifolius darts gold is a small deciduous shrub that is native to North America. The leaves of the plant are a deep green color with a gold hue. The plant blooms in the springtime with small white flowers.
Also known as
- Diabolo
- Devil's walking stick
- False spiraea
- Ninebark
- Snowberry
Common Knowledge
- Physocarpus opulifolius 'Darts Gold' is a beautiful, deciduous shrub with vibrant golden-yellow leaves.
- It is a fast-growing shrub, reaching up to 5m in height.
- The leaves are ovate in shape and have a toothed margin.
- The flowers are white or pink in colour and appear in dense clusters in summer.
- The fruits are small, red berries which are popular with birds.
- This shrub is easy to grow and is tolerant of a range of soil types and conditions.
- It is an excellent choice for adding colour and interest to a garden border.
- Physocarpus opulifolius 'Darts Gold' is also a good candidate for hedging or screening.
- It is generally disease and pest-free.
- This shrub is best pruned in late winter or early spring.
Growing Steps
- For physocarpus opulifolius darts gold, first step is to choose the right soil. The ideal soil for this plant would be rich in organic matter, well-drained and slightly acidic.
- The second step is to choose the right location. It should be a spot where the plant will receive full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
- The third step is to dig a hole twice the size of the plants root ball and of the same depth.
- The fourth step is to mix some organic matter with the excavated soil and fill the hole with the mixture.
- The fifth step is to place the plant in the hole and backfill it with the mixture.
- The sixth step is to water the plant deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
- The seventh step is to fertilize the plant monthly using a balanced fertilizer during the first growing season.
- The eighth step is to prune the plant annually to shape it and encourage new growth.
- The ninth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
- The tenth and final step is to enjoy your plant!
Related plant:
Physocarpus Opulifolius Diabolo
Considering the Soil
About soil condition, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Darts Gold' prefers well-drained soil, but will tolerate heavier soils as long as they are not wet. It will even grow in full sun, but its foliage will be more yellow in full sun.
Light condition
Similar to other Physocarpus opulifolius, the 'Darts Gold' needs full sun to partial sun to grow properly. It is heat tolerant as well as cold tolerant. It prefers well-drained soil but will tolerate less than ideal conditions. This plant is pest resistant and drought tolerant once established. It will grow in a range of soil types including clay.
The Temperature
The temperature condition that is best for physocarpus opulifolius darts gold is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does not tolerate temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit well. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the leaves to scorch.
Ideal Humidity
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-60%
If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and crispy. If the humidity rises above 60%, the leaves will start to drop off the plant.
Fertilizer Requirement
Mentioning fertilizer, this plant does best when given a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring. If you want to encourage more flowering, you can give an additional light application of a fertilizer high in phosphorus in early summer. It's important not to overdo it with the fertilizer, though, as too much can lead to excessive leaf growth and fewer flowers.
Plant Pruning
Pruning your Physocarpus opulifolius 'Darts Gold' is important in order to maintain its shape and size. You should prune in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged branches, and thin out overcrowded areas.
About Propagating
Propagation of Physocarpus opulifolius 'Darts Gold' is best done by root cuttings taken in late winter. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should be taken from young, healthy plants. Root the cuttings in a mixture of peat and sand and keep them moist. They should root within 4-6 weeks. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Growth Speed
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have shown that this plant species has a slow to moderate growth rate. In general, physocarpus opulifolius darts gold plants will grow anywhere from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) per year. However, there are reports of plants reaching up to 24 inches (60 cm) in height within a year. This wide range in growth rate is likely due to the plant's growing conditions, such as soil type and moisture levels.
Common Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause new growth to deform. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery fungus that can cover leaves and stems. Leaf spot is a brown or black spot that can appear on the leaves.
List to Know
- If you are growing Physocarpus opulifolius 'Darts Gold' from seed, start the seeds indoors in a seed tray filled with moist potting mix.
- Place the seed tray in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist.
- When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots filled with potting mix.
- Water regularly and fertilize monthly.
- Place the pots in a sunny location.
- When the plants are well established, you can transplant them into your garden.
- Space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart.
- Water regularly and fertilize monthly.
- To keep the plants compact, trim them back periodically.
- Enjoy the beautiful yellow foliage of your 'Darts Gold' plants all season long!
Similar Plants
- Physocarpus capitatus is known as ninebark, and belongs to the Roseaceae (Rose Family).
- Physocarpus alternans (also called Physocarpus alternifolius) is a species of Ninebark native to North America.
- Physocarpus malvaceus (also called Physocarpus amplexicaulis) is a species of ninebark native to North America.
- Physocarpus lanceolatus (also called Physocarpus monogynus) is a species of ninebark native to North America.
- Physocarpus occidentalis (also called Physocarpus capitatus var. occidentalis) is a species of ninebark native to North America.
- Physocarpus tomentosus (also called Physocarpus opulifolius var. tomentosus) is a
Source:
Physocarpus opulifolius - Ninebark - ucanr.edu
Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMNPOTWG' Tiny Wine® Gold
Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) - Selecting Shrubs
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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