| This deciduous shrub with multiple stems can grow to be ten feet high by ten feet wide. It is a rapid grower that prefers well drained acidic soil, but will grow under most conditions. Sunlight requirements are full sun but it will also do well in partial shade. As mentioned before, it is a native of North America. This plant has green leaves, but is otherwise similar in habit. The plants are hardy to USDA zone 2. If the purple-leaved variety is situated in the shade, the purple pigmentation wil fade somewhat. The nickname "Ninebark" refers to the way its bark peels back in layers revealing different shades of gray and brown. This makes the plant an ideal winter interest plant for your garden. Cutting the plant back too severely will lessen the effect since it is most apparent on older stems. Since the ninebark blooms on the prior year's wood, the plant can be kept in check by pruning after the blooms have died off. It can be cut back in the spring, even cutting it to the ground if you wish, but you will sacrifice the blooms for that year. | 
