Ninebark: A Colourful Shrub for the Prairies

If you're looking for a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that brings both structure and color to your landscape, Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is your new 'must-have'. It's perfectly suited for Southern Saskatchewan’s tough climate (Zone 3), this native shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and can handle drought, wind, and poor soil once established.

Ninebark gets its name from its unique exfoliating bark, which peels back in layers to reveal reddish-brown inner bark—adding winter interest even after the leaves have fallen. In spring and early summer, it bursts into clusters of white or pinkish flowers, followed by pretty seed pods.

Top Varieties for Southern Saskatchewan

🌿 ‘Diabolo’ (also known as ‘Monlo’):

This dramatic variety has deep burgundy-purple foliage that contrasts beautifully with its light pink-white flowers. It can grow 6–8 feet tall, making it a great backdrop or privacy screen.

🌿 ‘Amber Jubilee’:

Developed in Manitoba, this variety is a true Prairie gem. Its foliage emerges in orange and gold tones, maturing to chartreuse and green. It’s more compact (5–6 feet tall) and is perfect for smaller yards or colorful hedging.

🌿 ‘Tiny Wine’ & ‘Tiny Wine Gold’:

These dwarf varieties are ideal for tight spaces or foundation plantings. ‘Tiny Wine’ features deep purple foliage and dense branching, while ‘Tiny Wine Gold’ offers bright yellow leaves. Both stay under 4 feet tall and wide.

🌿 ‘Darts Gold’:

This cultivar offers vibrant lime-green foliage that glows in the landscape. It’s fast-growing and provides a bright contrast against darker-leaved shrubs or evergreens.

🌿 ‘Summer Wine’ and ‘Summer Wine Black’:

‘Summer Wine’ is a refined version of ‘Diabolo’, with a more compact habit and deeply cut, wine-colored leaves. The newer ‘Summer Wine Black’ has even darker foliage, almost black in appearance, for extra drama.

Tips for Growing Ninebark in Southern Saskatchewan:

• Plant in well-drained soil; avoid low spots where water may pool in spring.
• Prune after flowering if needed, or rejuvenate older shrubs by cutting back 1/3 of the oldest stems every few years.
• Water during dry spells in the first year to establish strong roots.
• Whether you want a bold hedge, a low-maintenance accent, or a splash of foliage color, Ninebark delivers year after year—no fuss required.

 

Looking for the perfect Ninebark for your garden? Stop by Riverdene Garden Centre—we’ve got a selection tailored for our Saskatchewan climate.