Garden Plants

09.08.259 min

Amber Jubilee Ninebark: Growth, Care, Fall Color, and Landscape Uses

Amber Jubilee Ninebark: Growth, Care, Fall Color, and Landscape Uses

The Ninebark Amber Jubilee tree, or Physocarpus opulifolius 'Jefam', has a naturally rounded shape, and amber jubilee ninebark full size can reach 150-180 cm in height and about 130 cm in width. 

In some cases, it can even be stimulated to grow more rectilinearly with a single trunk, creating a beautiful shape. 

For beginners, maintenance may seem complicated, but for landscape designers, it's a great tool to make a backyard look unusual, in addition to simpler plants and trees, and time to stop plant search for garden decoration.

close-up look of the Ninebark Amber Jubilee flowers

Planting and Growth

This amber jubilee ninebark shrub loves sunlight, so it's best to plant it where it will be in the sun for at least six hours a day. Despite the fact that it can grow in the shade, the bright colors of its leaves will be much brighter with sufficient lighting. 

This plant is not very demanding on the soil, but it grows best in soil with good drainage, so it is recommended to add some compost when planting. 

It is growing quite fast and can have many new shoots in one season.

A Deeper Look at Its Care

  • Watering: When first planting, water it abundantly several times a week to help its roots grow stronger. After the first year of cultivation, it will become sufficiently drought-resistant and will need watering only in very hot and dry weather.

  • Fertilizing:  You can add a balanced fertilizer in the spring to help it start new growth if your soil is not very rich.

An In-Depth Amber Jubilee Ninebark Pruning Guide

The process of pruning The First Editions amber jubilee ninebark is important for maintaining its health and best appearance. 

Although pruning after flowering is a general rule, all dead, damaged, or overlapping branches should be removed to simplify care. This improves air circulation and helps prevent diseases such as powdery mildew. 

And if you want to achieve a more lush bush shape, you can trim the stems by a third in late spring. 

For older, rooted shrubs that have grown a lot, more radical rejuvenating pruning can be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. To do this, cut off the oldest and thickest stems to the very base of the plant.

Propagating Your Ninebark

The most common propagating method is the use of coniferous cuttings, which are taken in late spring or early summer, when the young shoots are still flexible enough. To make a stalk, find a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece 10-15 cm thick just below the leaf node. Carefully remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stalk, as this is where new roots will form. 

You can dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to speed up the process, although this is not always necessary. 

Plant the stalk in a light pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss. Place the pot in a warm, bright place, protected from direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist. New leaves should start growing within a few weeks - the stalk has successfully taken root.

a butterfly sits on an inflorescence

Features Throughout the Year

One of the most attractive features of the ninebark amber, for which it is loved, is how it changes at any time of the year.

  • Spring: In spring, after the new leaves appear, the plant has many small white flowers. Fluffy white clusters of the amber jubilee ninebark flower stand out against the bright foliage.

  • Autumn: It is the time when the plant shines the brightest. With the cooling, the leaves change color from green to a spectacular deep red-purple amber jubilee ninebark fall color. 

  • Winter: The name "ninebark" comes from the fact that on mature branches, the old bark peels off in layers. This creates a textured and interesting appearance, so that even the bare branches of the amber jubilee ninebark in winter will give your garden a unique look.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Season

Key Tasks

Spring

Prune after flowering to give the plant shape, and remove old wood. 

Apply slow-acting fertilizers if necessary for your soil. 

Water abundantly to help new growth.

Summer

Make sure that the plant receives enough water, especially during long periods of drought. Check how often you should water via the free AI Plant Finder app.

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fall

No special care is required at this time.

Remove all fallen leaves around the base to prepare for a dormant period.

Winter

Pruning or top dressing is not required for amber jubilee ninebark in winter

In very cold climates, be sure to protect the base of young plants with mulch to protect the roots from sudden temperature changes.

Landscaping Amber Jubilee Ninebark

You can use it as a separate plant to stand out on its own, or plant several together to create a color scheme with some other landscaping trees

This plant is also ideal for creating a beautiful and informal amber jubilee ninebark hedge - you can often see this in country houses next to a gazebo or next to a barbecue area.


Use

Description

Specimen Plant

It can stand alone as the main attraction and accent of your garden.

Mixed Borders

Mix this plant with other shrubs, perennials and herbs in a larger flower bed so that its bright colors will contrast beautifully with other plants.

Foundation

This plant is large enough to hide the lower part of the house, and will help give the facade of your house a great look. If your window in the room overlooks the garden, then you can place it near the window so that the view is preserved not only from the outside.

Hedging

Create a hedge by planting several plants in a row - they will grow together, forming a dense and colorful screen. It can be used as a fence between an ornamental garden and an edible lanscaping garden.

the Amber Jubilee Ninebark leaves in autumn

Possible Problems and Pests

Amber jubilee ninebark problems may include powdery mildew, a fungal disease that looks like a white powder on the leaves. This usually happens when there is insufficient airflow, so planting the plant at some distance from it can help. 

Aphids can also sometimes be a problem, but they can be easily dealt with by simply spraying with soapy water.

Recommended Amber Jubilee Ninebark Companion Plants

Plant Name

Why it works

Russian Sage

The tall, airy purple flowers of Russian Sage create a beautiful contrast with the Ninebark's dark leaves and bright autumn colors

Coneflower

Coneflowers come in many colors and their daisy-like shape looks very nice next to the rounded amber jubilee ninebark tree form

Ornamental Grasses

Grasses like 'Karl Foerster' Feather Reed Grass add a different texture and vertical line that makes the Ninebark's rounded shape stand out even more

Coral Bells

Coral Bells have leaves in many colors, like green, purple, and red, that can match or contrast with the Ninebark's leaves all year

Weigela 'Wine and Roses'

Its deep purple leaves and pink flowers create a strong color contrast with the Ninebark, especially in spring and fall

Stella D'Oro Daylily

The sunny yellow flowers of this daylily bloom for a long time in summer, making a bright accent against the Ninebark's foliage

Black-Eyed Susan

The bold yellow and black flowers of this plant provide a cheerful, late-season color that pairs well with the Ninebark's vibrant autumn shades

the full look of the Amber Jubilee Ninebark bush with other trees

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to grow?

Yes, it is very easy to grow as it is a very strong plant that can handle many different types of soil and weather conditions.

What is the Amber Jubilee ninebark size?

This shrub typically grows to be about 1.5 to 1.8 meters tall and 1.2 meters wide at its full size.

When is the best time to plant it?

The best time to plant is in the spring or fall because these times have cooler temperatures and more rain, which helps the plant to grow its roots before the hot or cold seasons.

Does it need a lot of sun?

Yes, it needs a lot of sun to get its best color so that it will grow in partial shade, but the colors will not be as vibrant as they are in a full-sun location.

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