The ‘Little Joker’ Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Little Joker’) is a popular, compact, deciduous shrub known for its vibrant foliage and easy cultivation. This guide covers its care, ensuring health and beauty.
Little Joker Ninebark Overview
‘Little Joker’ Ninebark is a compact, mounded deciduous shrub typically reaching 3 to 4 feet in height and width. Its deeply lobed, fine-textured leaves emerge bright red, maturing to dark burgundy-purple, often with green undertones. Foliage color is maintained through summer, sometimes turning red-burgundy in fall.
In late spring to early summer, the shrub produces small, white to pinkish-white flower clusters from coral-pink buds. These blooms are followed by reddish, bladder-like fruit capsules, adding seasonal interest. Mature stems display exfoliating bark, which peels away in layers to reveal inner bark colors, contributing to winter appeal.
Planting and Ongoing Care
The ‘Little Joker’ Ninebark thrives in full sun, which promotes the most intense foliage color. While it tolerates partial shade, too much shade results in less vibrant leaf coloration. The shrub is adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-draining soil that is average to slightly acidic.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper than the container. Position the shrub so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, ensuring no air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
During its first growing season, consistent watering establishes a strong root system. Once established, ‘Little Joker’ Ninebark becomes moderately drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering, only during prolonged dry periods. Water deeply, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing is minimal for this shrub; a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring if growth appears slow or the soil is nutrient-deficient. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms. Apply organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches from the stem to prevent moisture issues.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning ‘Little Joker’ Ninebark helps maintain its compact shape, promotes bushier growth, and removes dead or damaged wood. It also encourages new stems, which often display the most vibrant foliage color. The best time to prune is after the shrub has finished flowering in late spring to early summer.
For general maintenance, remove dead, diseased, or broken branches at any time to improve plant health. To control size and shape, make selective heading back cuts, shortening branches to a desired length and encouraging branching. Rejuvenation pruning, cutting the entire plant back close to the ground, is less common for this compact variety. It can be performed on older, overgrown specimens to stimulate vigorous new growth. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears for precise cuts and to minimize plant stress.
Addressing Common Issues
A lack of vibrant foliage color often indicates insufficient sunlight. Relocating the plant to an area with full sun, ideally six or more hours daily, will help intensify its burgundy hues. Adequate light allows the plant to express its genetic color potential.
Ninebarks can be susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease appearing as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems. Good air circulation from proper plant spacing and avoiding dense plantings helps prevent this issue. If powdery mildew becomes severe, fungicidal sprays or horticultural oils can be applied.
Aphids are another common pest, appearing as small insects clustered on new growth. A strong water spray can dislodge them, or insecticidal soap can be used for significant infestations. Leaf spot, characterized by discolored spots on leaves, can occur, often exacerbated by humid conditions. Removing affected leaves and ensuring proper air circulation helps manage this issue. Most problems can be avoided by providing appropriate light, water, and well-draining soil, which reduces overall plant stress.