Amber Jubilee Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Jefam’

Amber Jubilee™ Ninebark is a cold-hardy, disease-resistant deciduous shrub that features stunning foliage with shades of orange, yellow, and burgundy, making it one of the most colorful Ninebarks available. Named to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, it offers season-long interest, white spring flowers, and vibrant fall color. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub is ideal for hedges, foundation plantings, mixed borders, and specimen plantings in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 2-7 (one of the most winter-hardy Ninebarks, perfect for prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 5-6 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (12-24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best color in 6+ hours of direct sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid standing water, as Ninebark dislikes soggy soil.
• Spacing: 4-5 feet apart for hedging, 6+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering every 7-10 days in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but does not tolerate overly wet conditions.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to promote healthy growth.
  • Trim lightly after flowering to maintain a neat, compact shape.
  • Rejuvenate older plants by cutting back up to one-third of the oldest stems every 3-4 years.
  • Amber Jubilee™ naturally maintains a rounded, upright form, so minimal pruning is needed.

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May-June)
• Flower Color: Small white to pale pink clusters contrast beautifully with warm foliage
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: New growth emerges yellow-orange and matures to burgundy-green
  • Fall: Striking copper, orange, and red hues before dropping
• Bark: Peeling, cinnamon-brown bark adds winter interest

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Drought, deer, urban pollution, and most pests

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Can cause leaf discoloration in hot, dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed in Zone 2-7.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Rodent & Deer Protection: Generally resistant to deer, but young plants may need protection from rabbits in winter.

Landscape Uses

Perfect for specimen plantings, hedges, and foundation plantings
Compact size makes it ideal for urban gardens and small spaces
Bright orange, yellow, and burgundy foliage provide season-long interest
Low-maintenance and easy to grow
Attracts pollinators and provides year-round interest

Additional Notes:

• Amber Jubilee™ Ninebark is one of the most colorful and vibrant Ninebarks, offering three-season interest with minimal care.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in modern landscapes, mixed borders, mass plantings, and as a bright hedge.

Photo courtesy of Jeffries Nurseries