Ninebark is loved by many gardeners around the world and rightly so. Its colorful foliage is a great addition to any garden.
The plant gets its name due to its characteristic feature of exfoliating bark. The plant is hardy and beginner-friendly in most cases.
In some cases people the plant does run into issues. Let’s see why and how.
Why is my Ninebark dying?
Ninebark plants do not run into issues in most cases. They may encounter some issues like Leaf curling and plant wilting.
Many times the reasons would be improper care. Watering and proper sunlight are essential for the healthy growth of the plant.
Make sure you water consciously as Ninebark can suffer from Root rot if the soil is soggy.
Why are my Ninebark leaves curling?
Sometimes people see that their Ninebark leaves are curling, browning, and get dropped.
This usually happens in plants that are planted in clay soil. Plants that grow in clay soil find it hard to absorb essential nutrients and water.
To fix: Add a lot of manure or compost into the soil and mix it up evenly. You’ll see that now the soil feels lighter. Add fine gravel if needed to increase drainage in the soil.
Why is my Ninebark Wilting?
Wilting is mostly seen in newly planted Ninebark plants. Ninebark plants can be over-dramatic until they get established.
Give the plant some time. Water your Ninebark frequently. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil goes dry, check this with your finger.
Tip: Check if there’s any gap between the rootball and the soil.
Why are my Ninebark leaves turning brown?
Leaves turning brown on the edges could mean many things. Basically, it means that the leaves aren’t getting the water or nutrients they need.
- If the plant is new, transplant shock may be a reason. It happens if the plant was planted too late in the season and it didn’t have time to establish.
- Get the soil tested for any nutrient deficiency or a pH imbalance.
- Root rot causes browning of the foliage too, so closely monitor the symptoms and identify the issue.
To fix:
- If it is transplant shock, you need not worry much, just take good care of the plant and it will recover.
- Take the plant with the most symptoms and take it to a laboratory for testing. Treat the plant accordingly after the test results.
- I advise you to take pictures of the plant every week and document the results. Treat the plant accordingly.
Why is my Ninebark not blooming?
If you’re wondering why your Ninebark is not blooming, you’ve come to the right place. Several factors influence blooming in a plant.
Proper sunlight and watering are required for on-time blooming. Make sure the plant’s getting the nutrients it requires.
Pruning hard or pruning wrongly may also prevent the plant from blossoming. This is probably the most common reason for blooming failure in Ninebark plants.
When should I prune Ninebark?
If you want to prune, prune the plant right after it stops blooming. Summer or fall is the best time to prune your Ninebark.
If you want a compact bush you may need to sacrifice blooming. Most prefer the shrub’s natural look and don’t prune it at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many Ninebark growers mail me often and ask the same questions again and again. I decided to answer them all in this blog post.
Does Ninebark need full sun?
You may want to plant Ninebark in a place where it receives full sun to partial shade. It will thrive best in full sun.
In the northern regions, it will grow best if planted in full sun. As we go south, Ninebark prefers partial shade more and more.
How far apart do you plant Ninebark?
Ninebark gives out good color foliage, especially in the spring. To get the most benefits you need to plant it 5 feet apart from the center.
This way you can grow a beautiful hedge without needing additional plantlets.
Is Ninebark deer resistant?
Almost all the species of Ninebark are deer resistant. People in places with a lot of deers usually have these in their garden.
Happy Gardening 🙂