PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Ninebark
Physocarpus capitatus
IN THE GARDEN: A deciduous, rapidly growing shrub, 5' tall and about 5' wide. The spring flower show is delightful. Fall color can be intense red to orange. Its common name tells of the various texture of the peeling bark. Ninebark can be drought tolerant in coastal areas. Give it some shade if planting inland. It grows well under oaks and tolerates serpentine soil. Dense round clusters of small cream-colored flowers from April-July.
ECOLOGICAL VALUE: Attracts butterflies and birds, Drought tolerant, Erosion control.
NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: Distribution ranges from northern to central California and found in the coast ranges along with the sierras. It is most often found near streams in association with wetland-riparian vegetation (calscape.org).
AT THE NURSERY: We currently have 127 in TB2 containers that are on sale for $3.71 each, 20 in 1-gallon containers for $11.25 each, and 18 in 5-gallon containers for $29.00 each.
