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Description
Physocarpus Malvaceus, commonly known as Pacific ninebark, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to California. This shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide and has a multi-stemmed, spreading habit. The leaves are lobed and serrated, and the flowers are small, white, and clustered in dense, ball-shaped inflorescences. The fruit is a dry capsule that contains several small, brown seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Physocarpus |
Appearance
Pacific ninebark has an attractive, multi-season interest. In spring, the foliage emerges a bright green and turns a darker, bluish-green color in summer. The flowers appear in late spring and early summer and are followed by a showy display of reddish-brown bark that peels away to reveal layers of new bark with different colors. The bark provides an interesting winter feature, and the shrub’s overall form is pleasing year-round.
Care Guide
Physocarpus Malvaceus is an easy-to-grow shrub that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for keeping it healthy:- Water: Pacific ninebark prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: This shrub can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it prefers slightly acidic, loamy soil.- Sunlight: Pacific ninebark can grow in full sun to partial shade, but it will produce more flowers in full sun.- Hardiness Zones: This shrub is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pacific ninebark is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally suffer from:- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with fungicides or by improving air circulation around the shrub.- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by attracting natural predators, such as ladybugs.
Habitat
Pacific ninebark is native to the Pacific coast of North America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, stream banks, and meadows. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pacific ninebark a good choice for a hedge?
A: Yes, the shrub’s dense, spreading habit makes it a good candidate for a hedge.
Q: Does Pacific ninebark attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and the fruit is eaten by birds and small mammals.
Q: Can Pacific ninebark be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the shrub can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Q: Does Pacific ninebark need pruning?
A: It is not necessary to prune Pacific ninebark, but it can be trimmed in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape or encourage more flowering.
Related Plants
– Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark)- Physocarpus capitatus (Pacific ninebark)- Physocarpus malvaceus ‘Dart’s Gold’ (golden Pacific ninebark)
References
– “Physocarpus Malvaceus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287590- “Pacific Ninebark.” Washington State University Extension. https://extension.wsu.edu/maritimefruit/Pages/PacificNinebark.aspx- “Pacific Ninebark.” Oregon State University Extension. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1625
