Deciduous & Flowering Shrubs
Red Baron ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron'
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron' is a deciduous ninebark for a mixed shrub border or informal hedge in Southwest Washington. Its late spring clusters of white to pink flowers give way to inflated reddish seed capsules, while peeling bark adds structure after leaf fall. Allow about 5 to 8 feet in height and roughly 3 to 5 feet in width at maturity, leaving room for its upright to spreading form. Full sun generally gives the best foliage color, though the shrub also grows in partial shade. Plant in average, well-drained soil and thin older stems after flowering when renewal is needed.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 5–8 feet
- Mature spread
- About 3–5 feet
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Generally USDA zones 2–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Place Red Baron in a mixed shrub border or informal hedge where its mature size fits. The flowers, seed capsules and peeling bark provide interest across several seasons.
Where to plant
Allow about 3 to 5 feet of width at maturity and space it clear of paths and smaller plants. Choose full sun for the strongest foliage color; partial shade is also suitable.
Through the seasons
White to pink flower clusters appear in late spring, followed by inflated reddish seed capsules. Peeling bark remains visible after the deciduous leaves fall.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
In Southwest Washington, give ninebark a sunny, well-drained position with room for renewal pruning. Its broad cold hardiness suits the region.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in average, well-drained soil. Ninebark tolerates a range of soil conditions, including dry to medium moisture.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Thin older stems after flowering if the shrub needs renewal. Finish routine pruning by late summer.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Crowded growth
The shrub becomes coarse or outgrows a small bed.
Help your plant thrive
Allow for mature spread and thin older stems after flowering as needed.
A little more inspiration
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Pacific ninebark
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Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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