Dart's Gold Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Dart’s Gold’

Dart’s Gold Ninebark is a cold-hardy, deciduous shrub known for its brilliant golden-yellow foliage, soft pink-white flowers in late spring, and peeling bark for winter interest. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub adds bright contrast to landscapes and is excellent for hedges, foundation plantings, mass plantings, and mixed borders in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (highly winter-hardy, perfect for prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 5-6 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Fast (12-24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best golden color in full sun, greener in shade)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid overly wet conditions, 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; water weekly in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but does not tolerate standing water.

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 shape and control size.
  • Rejuvenate older plants by cutting back up to one-third of the oldest stems every 3-4 years.
  • Dart’s Gold naturally maintains a rounded, arching form, so minimal pruning is needed.

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May-June)
• Flower Color: Soft pink-white clusters that contrast beautifully with golden foliage
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Bright golden-yellow leaves
  • Fall: Turns a mix of yellow, orange, and copper 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 – Can 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 3-7.
• 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

Great for specimen plantings, hedges, and foundation plantings
Brilliant golden-yellow foliage adds season-long contrast
Low-maintenance and easy to grow
Attracts pollinators and provides year-round interest
Perfect for mixed borders and brightening up darker landscapes

Additional Notes:

• Dart’s Gold Ninebark is one of the best colorful shrubs for bright contrast, offering three-season interest with minimal care.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in modern landscapes, cottage gardens, mass plantings, and as a hedge.

Photo courtesy of Foothills Nursery