Summer Wine Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Summer Wine’

Summer Wine® Ninebark is a cold-hardy, disease-resistant deciduous shrub known for its deep burgundy foliage, cascading branches, and clusters of soft pink-white flowers in spring. It is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for hedges, specimen plantings, and mixed borders in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (extremely winter-hardy, ideal for prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 5-6 feet tall, 5-6 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Fast (12-24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage 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 it does not tolerate wet feet.
• Spacing: 5-6 feet apart for hedging, 7+ 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 like soggy soil.

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 improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
  • Cut back by one-third in early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
  • Older shrubs can be rejuvenated by cutting back to 12-18 inches above ground every 3-4 years.

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May-June)
• Flower Color: Soft pink to white clusters contrast beautifully with dark foliage
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Rich burgundy to deep wine-colored leaves
  • Fall: Leaves turn coppery-red before dropping
• Bark: Peeling, cinnamon-colored bark provides 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.
• 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.

Landscape Uses

Great for specimen plantings, hedges, and foundation plantings
Rich burgundy foliage provides season-long color contrast
Low-maintenance and easy to grow
Attracts pollinators and provides year-round interest
Works well in cottage gardens, modern landscapes, and mass plantings

Additional Notes:

• Summer Wine® Ninebark is one of the best ornamental shrubs for adding bold foliage color, offering three-season interest with minimal care.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in mixed borders, rain gardens, mass plantings, and as a specimen shrub.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners