A High-Impact Compact Native
Small in scale, huge in impact—Pickleball® ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) serves up an ace with its winning combo of bold color and compact habit. Reaching a manageable 2.5–3′ tall and 3–4′ wide, this new selection opens the door for gardeners who may have wanted to grow this native species in the past but struggled to find the space.
A lovely addition to the middle of a border, Pickleball ninebark is an absolute showstopper all season long. Its chartreuse foliage pairs beautifully with neighboring plants while offering a striking contrast to its own dainty white flowers, which appear abundantly in late spring. Packed densely along the stems, these blooms are a welcome treat for local pollinators.
Pickleball ninebark is suited to USDA Zones 3–7. It prefers full sun but can grow in part sun as well, though it may be less robust and its foliage less colorful. This variety is a tough performer, displaying excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance, and adaptability to most soils. Regular pruning isn’t necessary, but if you’d like to do a bit of shaping, prune after it flowers in spring.
Native Shrubs
Looking to plant natives? Pickleball ninebark is a great selection, offering support for the local ecosystem in a package better suited to the modern landscape. Explore all of our native plants here and learn more about their benefits in the video below.