When to Prune a Ninebark Shrub

Question

My shrub grows very well but it never get flowers on it. We bought our house a few years ago and they were already here. The shrub gets about 5 foot tall and wild looking. They are in the front by the walkway, so I need to trim them so they don’t get in the way.  Do I need to move them to a different location, although I think they like where they are? Just would love the flowers to grow. There are 3 plants about 5 ft. apart. Thank you.

Answer 1

Pruning for shape and thinning inner branches will likely be all that is necessary to keep growing ninebark shrubs healthy and attractive. If you prefer, renewal pruning to a foot above the ground can be included in ninebark shrub care during dormancy every few years. If flowering is the issue, it could simply be a lack of phosphorus in the soil (a soil test will let you know for certain). Adding bone meal to the soil around your shrubs may help with this.