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Public Plant Profile

Summer Wine® Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' (Summer Wine®)

Category: Deciduous Shrub • Ninebark

Discover Summer Wine® Ninebark, a stunning shrub with dark foliage and white flowers, perfect for borders and mass plantings.

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Mature Height: 3-5 feet

Mature Width: 4-5 feet

Bloom Color: White

Bloom Time: Late Spring

Light: Sun

Zone: Zones 3-8

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Summer Wine® Ninebark is a deciduous shrub known for its striking dark burgundy foliage and attractive peeling bark. It produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring, adding visual interest to gardens.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is ideal. Tolerates a range of pH levels and moisture conditions.

Sun Needs

Sun

Watering Needs

Water regularly during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Pruning Notes

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Fertilizing Notes

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Common Issues

Watch for aphids and powdery mildew; ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenbordermass planting

Special Features

Attractive dark foliagewhite flowersand colorful bark.

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant once established.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for adding contrast in gardens. Works well in mixed borders or as a focal point.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Summer Wine® Ninebark may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

What Clients Say

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Summer Wine® Ninebark a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

Browse more plants or reach out and we will help you choose the right combination for your space.

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