Summer Wine Ninebark Companion Plants: Tips and Tricks for a Beautiful Garden

Oleh Anonymous October 28, 2022 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

If you're looking to add some color and texture to your garden, then summer wine ninebark is an excellent choice. This deciduous shrub has stunning burgundy foliage that looks great against the greenery of other plants. But what are the best companion plants to grow alongside it? In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks for creating a beautiful garden with summer wine ninebark and its companions.

Summer Wine Ninebark: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the companion plants, let's take a quick look at summer wine ninebark. This shrub is native to North America and grows up to 8 feet tall and wide. It produces small white or pink flowers in early summer, followed by red fruit in the fall. But what really sets it apart is its foliage. The leaves out as a deep burgundy in the spring and fade to a reddish-purple in the summer. By fall, they turn a bright red-orange before dropping off. Now, let's talk about its companions.

Companion Plants for Summer Wine Ninebark

1. Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are a great complement to summer wine ninebark. They add height and movement to the garden, while their feathery plumes create a soft texture that contrasts nicely with the shrub's bold foliage. Some good options include fountain grass, blue fescue, and switchgrass.

2. Coneflowers

Coneflowers are another excellent choice. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white, that pair well with the burgundy leaves of summer wine ninebark. Plus, their daisy-like flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.

3. Sedums

Sedums are low-growing succulents that make great ground cover around summer wine ninebark. They come in a range of colors, from green to red to yellow, and their fleshy leaves create an interesting texture that complements the shrub's foliage. Some good options include stonecrop and creeping sedum.

4. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a classic choice for any garden, and they look especially beautiful next to summer wine ninebark. Their large blooms come in shades of pink, blue, and white, creating a striking contrast against the dark leaves of the shrub. Plus, they thrive in the same soil conditions as ninebark, making them an easy companion to grow.

5. Japanese Maples

If you're looking to add some height to your garden, consider planting a Japanese maple alongside summer wine ninebark. These trees come in a variety of shapes and colors, but their delicate leaves and graceful form create a lovely contrast with the bold texture of the shrub. Some good options include bloodgood, crimson queen, and laceleaf.

Tips and Tricks for Growing Summer Wine Ninebark and its Companions

1. Soil and Watering

Summer wine ninebark and its companions prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure to water regularly, especially during hot weather, to keep the plants healthy and happy.

2. Pruning

Summer wine ninebark should be pruned in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape. You can also prune back any dead or damaged branches throughout the year. With its striking foliage, ninebark doesn't need a lot of pruning to look great.

3. Pests and Diseases

Like all plants, summer wine ninebark and its companions are susceptible to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew, and treat them promptly if you spot them. Regularly cleaning up fallen leaves and debris can also help prevent disease.

4. Fertilizing

Summer wine ninebark and its companions don't require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and vibrant color.