Riverdene Garden Center
Dart's Gold Ninebark
Dart's Gold Ninebark
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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:
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Aphids – Can cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
- Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
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Spider Mites – Can cause leaf discoloration in hot, dry conditions.
- Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.
Common Diseases:
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Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions.
- Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
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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
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