The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Ninebark Companion Plants

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Ninebark Companion Plants: What Are They?

When it comes to landscaping, choosing the right combination of plants can make all the difference. That's where companion planting comes in - the practice of planting different species together to benefit one another. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a popular choice for its attractive foliage and hardiness, but what other plants can complement its beauty? In this guide, we'll explore some of the best ninebark companion plants to consider for your garden.

1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a great option for a ninebark companion plant because it's low-maintenance and attracts pollinators. Its feathery leaves and pretty flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, and white. Plant yarrow near your ninebark for a pop of color and added visual interest.

How to Plant Yarrow with Ninebark

Plant yarrow in well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. It doesn't require much water, so avoid overwatering. To create a cohesive look, plant yarrow in clusters around the base of your ninebark shrub.

2. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Another drought-tolerant option, Russian Sage is a showy perennial that pairs well with ninebark. Its silver-gray leaves and lavender-blue flowers provide a nice contrast to the dark foliage of ninebark. Plus, it's deer-resistant!

How to Plant Russian Sage with Ninebark

Russian Sage prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it near your ninebark in a location where it has room to spread out - it can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide. Prune it back in the spring to promote bushier growth.

3. Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflowers are a popular choice for their vibrant blooms and ability to attract butterflies and bees. They come in a range of colors, from pink and purple to white and yellow. Plant them near your ninebark for added color and pollinator activity.

How to Plant Coneflowers with Ninebark

Coneflowers prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can tolerate some shade. Plant them in groups of three or more for maximum impact. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

4. Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)

If you're looking for a low-growing option, consider catmint. This hardy perennial produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers and has a lovely fragrance. It's also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

How to Plant Catmint with Ninebark

Plant catmint in well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. It doesn't require much water, so avoid overwatering. To create a cohesive look, plant catmint in clusters around the base of your ninebark shrub.

5. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are a classic choice for any garden. Their bright yellow petals and dark centers add a burst of sunshine to any landscape. They're also great for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

How to Plant Black-eyed Susans with Ninebark

Black-eyed Susans prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can tolerate some shade. Plant them in groups of three or more for maximum impact. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

6. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)

Salvia is a hardy perennial with spikes of blue, pink, or purple flowers. It's attractive to bees and butterflies and can provide a nice contrast to the foliage of ninebark. Plus, it's drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

How to Plant Salvia with Ninebark

Salvia prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it near your ninebark in a location where it has room to spread out - it can grow up to 18 inches tall and wide. Prune it back in the spring to promote bushier growth.

7. Liatris (Liatris spicata)

Also known as blazing star, liatris is a tall, slender plant with spikes of purple flowers. It's a great choice for adding height and drama to your garden, and it attracts butterflies and other beneficial insects.

How to Plant Liatris with Ninebark

Liatris prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it near your ninebark in a location where it has room to grow - it can reach heights of up to 5 feet tall. Stake it if necessary to keep it upright.

8. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed that's native to North America. Its bright orange flowers are a favorite of monarch butterflies, making it a great choice for a pollinator-friendly garden. It's also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

How to Plant Butterfly Weed with Ninebark

Butterfly weed prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it near your ninebark in a location where it has room to spread out - it can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

9. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

For a more classic look, consider pairing your ninebark with hydrangea. These shrubs produce large, showy blooms in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them a good choice for a variety of garden conditions.

How to Plant Hydrangea with Ninebark

Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. Plant them near your ninebark in a location where they'll get morning sun and afternoon shade. Water them deeply once a week during hot weather.

10. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies are a popular choice for their long-lasting blooms and low-maintenance nature. They come in a wide range of colors, from yellow and orange to pink and red. Plus, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant Daylilies with Ninebark

Daylilies prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant them in groups of three or more for maximum impact. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

11. Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Coral bells are a versatile perennial with attractive foliage and dainty flowers. They come in a range of colors, from deep burgundy to lime green. They're also deer-resistant and attract hummingbirds.

How to Plant Coral Bells with Ninebark

Coral bells prefer well-draining soil and partial shade. Plant them near your ninebark in a location where they'll get morning sun and afternoon shade. Water them deeply once a week during hot weather.

12. Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum)

Shasta daisies are a classic choice for any garden. Their large, white blooms and yellow centers add a cheerful touch to any landscape. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant Shasta Daisies with Ninebark

Shasta daisies prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Plant them in groups of three or more for maximum impact. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

13. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee balm is a hardy perennial that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its showy flowers come in shades of pink, red, and purple. It's also deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.

How to Plant Bee Balm with Ninebark

Bee balm prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant it near your ninebark in a location where it has room to spread out - it can grow up to 4 feet tall. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

14. Helenium (Helenium autumnale)

Also known as sneezeweed, helenium is a hardy perennial with yellow, orange, and red flowers. It's attractive to bees and butterflies and can provide a nice contrast to the foliage of ninebark.

How to Plant Helenium with Ninebark

Helenium prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant it near your ninebark in a location where it has room to spread out - it can grow up to 4 feet tall. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

15. Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis)

Blue false indigo is a native plant with spikes of blue-purple flowers. It's attractive to bees and butterflies and can provide a nice contrast to the foliage of ninebark. Plus, it's drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

How to Plant Blue False Indigo with Ninebark

Blue false indigo prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant it near your ninebark in a location where it has room to spread out - it can grow up to 4 feet tall. Cut back the foliage after flowering to promote bushier growth.

FAQs

1. Can I plant other shrubs with my ninebark?

Yes! Ninebark pairs well with a variety of shrubs, including spirea, viburnum, and potentilla.

2. Are there any plants that don't pair well with ninebark?

While ninebark is a versatile plant, there are some species you should avoid planting near it. These include aggressive growers like bamboo and invasive species like Japanese knotweed.

3. How often should I water my ninebark and its companion plants?

Ninebark and most of its companion plants prefer well-draining soil and don't require much water once established. Water deeply once a week during hot weather, but avoid overwatering.

4. Should I fertilize my ninebark and its companion plants?

Most of the companion plants listed here don't require much fertilization. If you do choose to fertilize, use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.

5. Do I need to prune my ninebark and its companion plants?

Ninebark benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Most of the companion plants listed here also benefit from light pruning in the spring.

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