Ninebark is a popular ornamental shrub known for its colorful leaves and arching stems. It gets its name from the distinctive peeling bark that reveals multiple layers of reddish-brown inner bark. Ninebark provides great visual interest in gardens and landscapes, but it also attracts a variety of birds, pollinators, and other beneficial wildlife.
Birds
The fruits, seeds, buds, and bark of ninebark offer sustenance for many bird species. The shrub produces clusters of small, round seed capsules that persist through winter. These dried fruits provide an important food source for birds when other natural foods are scarce. Common visitors like cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows, and finches eagerly feed on the seeds. Woodpeckers may also stop by ninebark to probe for insects hiding in the bark. In spring, hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-rich tubular flowers.
Ninebark’s dense growth habit offers good nesting sites and shelter from predators. Birds may build nests securely hidden amongst the arching stems. The protective cover is especially valued by shy species like brown thrashers and gray catbirds. After nesting season, parents will bring their fledglings to forage on ninebark fruits and insects. By attracting these insect-eating birds, ninebark helps control pest populations in the landscape naturally.
Favorite Ninebark Species for Birds
Several ninebark cultivars are excellent for attracting birds to backyard habitats:
- Diabolo® – This compact variety has deep purple leaves that contrast beautifully with red fruits.
- Dart’s Gold® – Bright golden foliage illuminates shady spots.
- Summer Wine® – Reddish leaves provide color through fall.
- Ginger Wine® – Stunning purple foliage with pink flowers.
- Copper Carousel® – Orange-red leaves hold color into winter.
Additional Tips for Inviting Birds to Ninebark
- Allow fruits to remain on branches over winter for late season bird food.
- Resist heavy pruning in winter when birds are utilizing branches.
- Leave fallen leaves under shrubs to provide shelter.
- Place seed or suet feeders in or near the shrub to double the attraction.
- Include a water feature like a birdbath or fountain to provide drinking and bathing water.
- Avoid using pesticides which reduce insect populations that birds rely on.
Pollinators
Ninebark flowers support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects. The showy corymbs of tiny blooms appear in late spring to early summer depending on climate. They provide nectar for pollinators at a critical time when few other flowers are in bloom. Bees gather the rich nectar to make honey and feed developing larva back in the hive.
Common pollinating visitors include various native bees, like mason bees and miner bees, as well as honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Hummingbirds also do their part to transfer pollen between flowers while sipping nectar. Planting ninebark helps sustain healthy pollinator populations for the garden and surrounding landscapes.
Top Ninebark Varieties to Attract Pollinators
Some excellent ninebark cultivars for pollinators include:
- Little DevilTM – A compact variety with abundant pink-white blooms.
- Summer Wine® – Features showy pink flower clusters that attract hummingbirds.
- Center Glow® – Blooms are bright yellow instead of white for a unique look.
- Amber JubileeTM – Orange-yellow foliage complements white blooms.
- Tiny Wine® – A petite variety suited to small spaces.
Tips for Making Ninebark More Pollinator-Friendly
- Choose native species when possible.
- Plant in groupings of at least 3 for greater attraction.
- Include early and late blooming varieties to extend the flowering period.
- Allow some faded flowers to remain for late foraging.
- Provide additional nectar sources by interplanting with perennials like coneflower, lavender, and salvia.
- Include flat rock piles or bare soil patches for ground nesting bees.
- Avoid pesticides that can be harmful to pollinators.
Butterflies
Butterflies flock to ninebark throughout the growing season. They gather nectar from the flowers and utilize the leaves as caterpillar host plants. By supporting these colorful winged insects, ninebark helps increase biodiversity in the garden.
Some of the many butterflies attracted to ninebark include monarchs, red admirals, mourning cloaks, and tiger swallowtails. They lay eggs on the leaves in spring and summer. When the eggs hatch into caterpillars, the larvae feed on the foliage. This provides them with the nutrition needed to fuel their metamorphosis into chrysalides and ultimately into butterflies.
Butterfly-Friendly Ninebark Varieties
Here are some top ninebark selections for inviting more butterflies to the landscape:
- Diabolo® – A dwarf variety suited to small spaces.
- Little DevilTM – Features an abundance of nectar-rich pinkish blooms.
- Copper Carousel® – Bronzy orange foliage that attracts attention.
- Amber JubileeTM – Yellow leaves complement white flower clusters.
- Summer Wine® – Has fragrant pink flowers that butterflies can’t resist.
Creating a Butterfly-Friendly Ninebark Planting
- Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot protected from wind.
- Include clusters of at least 3 shrubs to make it easier for butterflies to locate.
- Allow flowering to proceed without deadheading for continual bloom.
- Include nectar plants like asters, zinnias, and lantana nearby.
- Provide moist soil or mud puddles for butterflies to get needed minerals.
- Place large rocks in planting beds for butterflies to bask and warm themselves.
- Avoid using insecticides or other chemicals toxic to pollinators.
Other Wildlife
In addition to birds, pollinators, and butterflies, ninebark also attracts other beneficial wildlife to the garden. Small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels consume the seeds and use the shrubs for shelter. Deer may browse on the foliage. Ground beetles, spiders, and other predatory insects hide amongst the leaves and stems to ambush pest insects. Native bees and wasps also utilize the bark crevices for nesting sites.
By supporting this diverse web of life, ninebark strengthens the overall ecosystem health of the yard and surrounding areas. The shelter, food sources, nesting sites, and other habitat provisions help sustain biodiversity. This in turn improves soil, water, air quality and other environmental benefits that ultimately come back to enhance the garden as well.
Choosing Ninebarks to Invite Wildlife
Here are some excellent ninebark varieties for attracting wildlife beyond just birds, pollinators and butterflies:
- Diabolo® – Dense, compact form provides great shelter and cover.
- Little DevilTM – Abundant spring flowers support many pollinators.
- Dart’s Gold® – Light foliage stands out to attract attention.
- Summer Wine® – Has ornamental leaves and flowers.
- Ginger Wine® – Striking reddish-purple foliage.
Tips for Making Ninebark Wildlife-Friendly
- Allow some spent flowers and fruits to remain through winter.
- Keep fallen leaves under shrubs to provide habitat.
- Tolerate a bit of leaf nibbling from insect larvae and wildlife.
- Select a variety of ninebark species to support diverse needs.
- Use natural gardening techniques to favor biodiversity.
- Provide a water source like a small pond or fountain.
- Link plantings together to create wildlife corridors.
Conclusion
With its multi-season appeal, ninebark is one of the most wildlife-friendly landscaping plants available. It attracts and supports birds, pollinators, butterflies, and other animals by providing food, shelter, nesting sites, and other habitat provisions these species need to thrive. By planting ninebark, gardeners can naturally increase biodiversity and contribute to healthier, more balanced local ecosystems. Selecting the right cultivars, placement, and care strategies can help gardeners get the most ecological benefits from this valuable ornamental shrub.
