Summer Wine Ninebark Spring Rejuvenation Pruning

Summer Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward') is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that can benefit from rejuvenation pruning. This type of pruning should be done before bud break in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins to emerge.

Rejuvenation pruning will encourage new growth with excellent leaf color. The different shades of purple on the leaves make this shrub a beautiful addition to any garden.

To rejuvenate Summer Wine Ninebark, prune it back by about one-half to two-thirds its total height. This will encourage new growth from the base of the plant and show off the plant's natural form.

• Prune away any dead or diseased wood, and remove any crossing or rubbing branches.
• After pruning, fertilize the shrub with a balanced fertilizer to encourage new growth.
• Prune Summer Wine Ninebark every three to five years to keep it healthy and looking its best.

This is one of my favorite shrubs since there are so many different leaf colors to pick from including yellows and ranges of purple and violet.   It's a great way to add some color to your yard without having to worry about flowers.  Ninebarks need one year to develop flower buds (old wood), so you will not see flowers the first year after rejuvenating.  White flowers will bloom in the second year and following years when pruning is avoided.

• Summer Wine Ninebark is a tough shrub and can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
• Hardy to zone 3
• Summer Wine Ninebark is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that is native to North America.