Also known as Ninebark · 615 saves
Physocarpus
Physocarpus, the genus most gardeners know as ninebark. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Physocarpus varieties
2 species of Physocarpus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Physocarpus in Sow
Save the Physocarpus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Physocarpus
Whats common across all Physocarpus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them.
The Physocarpus year
- PruneFebruary and June100% of varieties
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain compact shape.
- Check for PestsMay–July75% of varieties
Monitor for aphids on new growth and powdery mildew in humid conditions.
- FertilizeMarch and April50% of varieties
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer only if growth is weak or if planted in a container.
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 💧
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune in late winter to shape and remove dead branches ✂️
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late summer or fall
- Avoid planting in poorly drained areas
- Do not fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers that promote excessive foliage growth
What goes wrong with Physocarpus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curled or sticky leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Sap-sucking pests with waxy coating | Apply horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Webbing and speckled foliage | Increase humidity and spray with miticide or neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
Making more Physocarpus
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections with clean shears.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep soil moist and place in indirect sunlight.
- Roots develop in approximately 6 weeks.
Division
- Dig up mature shrub in early spring.
- Divide clump into smaller sections with a sharp knife.
- Replant divisions immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Physocarpus questions
How many types of Physocarpus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Physocarpus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 615 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Physocarpus grow in?
Across its varieties, Physocarpus covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Physocarpus bloom?
Most Physocarpus varieties bloom in late spring, early summer, late spring to early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Physocarpus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.