Is Common ninebark good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Common ninebark is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Common ninebark?

Space Common ninebark about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Common ninebark hardy on the Front Range?

Common ninebark is hardy in USDA 2 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Common ninebark need?

It needs medium water once established.

How fast does Common ninebark grow?

Common ninebark is a fast-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

What color does Common ninebark turn in fall?

Common ninebark turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.

Is Common ninebark native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

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Common ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Common ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 5 to 10 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Burgundy/purple foliage cultivars dominate landscapes. Tough and fast.

On the CSU listmedium water5 to 10 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide

Photos

Photo 1: "Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo'" by Andy Morffew is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
Photo 2: Eric Hunt
Photo 3: "Physocarpus opulifolius" by Saturne is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 4: no rights reserved
Photo 5: "Physocarpus opulifolius, Great Falls Park, 5-14-13" by FritzFlohrReynolds is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 6: "0 Physocarpus opulifolius - Samoëns" by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 2 to 8
Water needs: medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: clay, loam
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.8
Hail tolerance: moderate
Wind tolerance: moderate
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 5 to 10 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~8 ft apart (6 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Fast

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer
Bloom color: white, pink
Fall color: Bronze, red
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: moderate
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Frequently asked questions

Is Common ninebark good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Common ninebark is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Common ninebark get?: It matures to about 5 to 10 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Common ninebark?: Space Common ninebark about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Common ninebark hardy on the Front Range?: Common ninebark is hardy in USDA 2 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Common ninebark need?: It needs medium water once established.
How fast does Common ninebark grow?: Common ninebark is a fast-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
What color does Common ninebark turn in fall?: Common ninebark turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
Is Common ninebark native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.