Is A Summerwine Ninebark Tree Form The Same As A Wine Ninebark Shrub?

Question

I would like to know if I can turn the ninebark tree form back into a shrub by cutting it all the way back, and when would be the best time to do that? Late winter/early spring? Is the tree form genetically different from the shrub or is it trained to be a tree?

Answer 1

They are pruned into a tree form so when you cut yours back in late winter or early spring, it should send up several new shoots.

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/physocarpus-opulifolius-summer-wine/