Ninebark Shrub – PHYSOCARPUS ‘RED BARON’ – Starter Plant – 4-6 Inch

Discover the Beauty of the Red Baron Ninebark Shrub

The PHYSOCARPUS ‘RED BARON’ Ninebark is a hardy deciduous shrub that adds vibrant color and texture to any landscape. Growing to a mature height of 4 to 8 feet, this impressive plant is perfect for creating hedges, defining borders, or serving as an eye-catching accent. Its fast growth rate ensures quick establishment, providing you with a lush and visually appealing garden feature in no time. The Ninebark shrub stands out with its unique combination of foliage, flowers, and bark, making it a versatile and attractive addition to your outdoor space.

One of the most striking features of the ‘RED BARON’ Ninebark is its deep purple foliage. This rich color provides a stunning contrast to the green hues of other plants, adding depth and visual interest to your garden. In spring, the shrub bursts into bloom with clusters of delicate pinkish-white flowers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. As summer progresses, reddish seed capsules develop, adding another layer of seasonal appeal. The exfoliating bark, which peels to reveal layers of reddish-brown inner bark, gives the plant its distinctive name and provides year-round textural interest.

This low-maintenance shrub thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-7, making it a resilient choice for a wide range of climates. It adapts well to full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, the PHYSOCARPUS ‘RED BARON’ is drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering. This makes it an ideal option for gardeners seeking a beautiful yet easy-to-care-for plant. Whether you’re looking to enhance your landscaping, create privacy screens, or add a focal point to your garden, the ‘RED BARON’ Ninebark is an excellent choice.

The plant is shipped as a well-rooted starter plant in a 2.5 x 3.5-inch pot, approximately 4-6 inches tall. While it may arrive in a dormant state during fall and winter, rest assured that it will leaf out beautifully in spring, ready to showcase its stunning foliage and flowers. With its adaptability and visual appeal, the Red Baron Ninebark is a valuable addition to any garden, providing lasting beauty and ecological benefits.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Type: Deciduous ornamental shrub
• Size: Reaches 4-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide
• Foliage: Deep purple leaves create striking contrast
• Flowers: Pinkish-white blooms in dense clusters during spring
• Bark: Peeling bark reveals reddish-brown inner layers
• Hardiness Zone: 3-7, cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade, thrives in well-drained soil
• Uses: Ideal for hedges, borders, foundation plantings, and ornamental gardens

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How fast does the PHYSOCARPUS ‘RED BARON’ Ninebark grow?

A: This shrub is a fast grower, typically gaining 12-24 inches per year, reaching its full height in 3-5 years.

Q: Does this plant require pruning?

A: Pruning is optional but can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth.

Q: Will the foliage color stay deep purple year-round?

A: The leaves emerge copper-orange in spring, turn deep purple in summer, and may transition to bronze-red in fall before dropping for winter dormancy.

Q: Can this shrub tolerate drought?

A: Once established, Ninebark is drought-tolerant, but it benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

Q: Is PHYSOCARPUS ‘RED BARON’ deer-resistant?

A: Yes, this shrub is deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens prone to browsing wildlife.