General Culture:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best foliage color occurs in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Prune as needed immediately after bloom. Plants may be cut close to the ground in winter to rejuvenate. This plant performs poorly in the high heat and humidity south of USDA Zone 7.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
‘Center Glow’ is a mounded, vase-shaped, ninebark cultivar that typically matures to 6-8’ tall and as wide, and is most noted for its attractive foliage. It is the result of a cross between P. opulifolius ‘Monlo’ DIABLO (seed parent) and P. opulifolius ‘Dart’s Gold’ (pollen parent). Ovate to rounded, usually 3-lobed, maple-like leaves (to 4” long) emerge greenish-gold in spring but age to burgundy, with leaves showing both colors as they mature. Foliage is nicely complemented by small pinkish-white, five-petaled flowers that bloom in dense, flat, rounded, spiraea-like clusters (corymbs) in late spring. Plants in this genus exhibit exfoliating bark on mature branches. The bark peels in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown inner bark, hence the common name. This interesting bark provides winter interest but is usually hidden by the foliage during the growing season. U.S. Plant Patent PP16,894 was issued on July 25, 2006.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Fireblight and leaf spots may occur. Reportedly has good resistance to powdery mildew.
Uses:
Site in locations where the foliage can be appreciated. Specimen or mass. Shrub borders, hedge, screen or for erosion control on banks.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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