How to Care for Purple Ninebarks
- 1). Plant a new ninebark in late spring or early summer. This will give it time to bloom fully and establish roots before winter.
- 2). Plant your ninebark in areas of partial shade to full sun. Because ninebark is an adaptable shrub, it can be placed in full shade if filtered sunlight is unavailable.
- 3). Check the soil before planting your ninebark to determine acidity. While ninebark can grow in a variety of soils such as clay or sand, it benefits from a soil pH ranging from 4.5 to 8.5, according to the website Backyard Gardener.
- 4). Fertilize a new ninebark plant with fertilizers containing high amounts of phosphorus to encourage proper root development. Established ninebarks should be fertilized once a year with fertilizers containing high amounts of nitrogen to promote leafy growth.
- 5). Water your ninebark so the soil is moist but well-drained. The ninebark can survive in drought conditions after it is established and doesn't need excessive amounts of water. Until it is established in the ground, water the shrub at least once a week until the soil is thoroughly saturated.
- 6). Cut the ninebark to 12 inches above the ground every two or three years in fall to rejuvenate the plant before winter. Remove crowded areas of canes at the origin of the cane each winter.
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