{"product_id":"darts-gold-ninebark","title":"Dart's Gold Ninebark","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Gold-Foliage Native Ninebark for Minnesota Yards\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDart's Gold Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold') brings bright gold summer foliage to a Minnesota-native shrub. Pink-white flowers in early summer, exfoliating bark for winter interest. Whether you are anchoring a sunny Edina border, filling a St. Paul pollinator garden, or adding gold pop to a Plymouth foundation — Dart's Gold gets the job done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDart's Gold Ninebark Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhysocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDart's Gold Ninebark\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4-6 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate — 12-18 inches per year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade. Best growth and bloom in full sun.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate. Drought-tolerant once established.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — green leaves, drops in fall\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable in Twin Cities zone 4b–5a winters.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerately deer-resistant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePink-white flat clusters in early summer; red seed capsules in fall\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Status\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinnesota native or native-derived — supports the Lawns to Legumes program\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDart's Gold Ninebark Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMixed shrub borders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnchors mixed-shrub borders with reliable seasonal interest. Pair with native perennials and ornamental grasses for a low-maintenance Twin Cities border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFoundation plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact growth and tolerance of clay soil make this a reliable foundation choice for Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollinator gardens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdds bloom and habitat value to a yard supporting Lawns to Legumes goals. Pair with native perennials for season-long pollinator support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Dart's Gold Ninebark in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window.\u003c\/strong\u003e Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring (late April–May) is the second-best window\u003c\/strong\u003e — the plant gets the full growing season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Dart's Gold Ninebark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDig wide, not deep.\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container. Heavy clay benefits from even wider digging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck drainage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fill the hole with water — if it doesn't drain in 30 minutes, mound-plant or break through any clay hardpan to improve drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBackfill with native soil + 20–30% compost.\u003c\/strong\u003e Minnesota clay-loam benefits from organic amendment but don't create a \"container\" of pure compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Refer to the mature width above and space accordingly. Closer for hedging, wider for individual specimen plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater basin.\u003c\/strong\u003e Build a 3–4 inch ring around the planting to direct water to the roots. Flatten or remove before winter to avoid ice damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulch.\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chip mulch, kept 2 inches away from the trunk. Do NOT use gravel mulch in Minnesota — it doesn't insulate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Dart's Gold Ninebark in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes per plant)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 3–4 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 5–7 days during active growth; less if rainfall is adequate (Minnesota averages ~3 inches\/month June–August)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze\u003c\/strong\u003e (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro) to avoid pushing late-season growth that gets killed by winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished plants only need supplemental water during droughts (2+ weeks with no rain and temps above 80°F). Water deeply and infrequently — every 7–14 days during dry spells, soaking to 6–8 inches depth. Let natural rainfall do most of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePruning Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrune in early spring before new growth emerges to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between Dart's Gold Ninebark and similar shrubs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative ninebark with bright gold summer foliage and exfoliating tan-and-brown winter bark. This makes it a strong choice when you want gold-foliage, native, pollinator in a Minnesota-tested plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Dart's Gold Ninebark survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — 3-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Dart's Gold Ninebark is among the most reliable shrubs for Twin Cities zone 4b–5a yards. First-year plants benefit from a deep mulch ring and adequate fall watering before ground freeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Dart's Gold Ninebark deer-resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerately deer-resistant In high-pressure areas like Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, or Chanhassen, plan accordingly — deer fencing or repellent for the first year is a worthwhile insurance policy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Dart's Gold Ninebark tolerate Minnesota clay soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils. At planting, dig wide (2–3× the root ball width) and amend with 20–30% compost. Avoid creating a sunken \"container\" of pure compost in the clay — the plant should transition gradually to native soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is the best time to plant Dart's Gold Ninebark in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall (late August through early October) is the ideal planting window — soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and plants get 6–8 weeks to establish before ground freeze. Spring (late April through May) is the second-best window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Dart's Gold Ninebark bloom?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePink-white flat clusters in early summer; red seed capsules in fall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/shrubs\"\u003eShop all Three Timbers Minnesota shrubs\u003c\/a\u003e — full catalog of zone 4-hardy shrubs for Twin Cities yards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deer-resistant\"\u003eDeer-Resistant Plants\u003c\/a\u003e — for high-pressure suburbs like Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Eden Prairie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/winter-interest\"\u003eWinter Interest Plants\u003c\/a\u003e — plants that look great through Minnesota's five-month winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/find-my-plant\"\u003eFind Your Perfect Plant\u003c\/a\u003e — answer 5 questions and we'll recommend a plant for your yard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Dart's Gold Ninebark Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor an informal hedge or border run, space Dart's Gold about 5 feet apart — with a 4–6 foot mature spread, the plants close into a continuous golden band:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRun Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed (5 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a specimen, give one plant a 6-foot circle; for a bright border anchor, group 3 at 5-foot spacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDart's Gold Ninebark Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e New leaves emerge a brilliant chartreuse-gold — the brightest moment of the year — lighting up beds while most shrubs are still plain green.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pink-white flower clusters in early summer feed native bees over gold foliage that mellows slightly in heat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red seed capsules ripen against the gold leaves before they drop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Exfoliating tan-and-brown bark peels in papery layers, adding texture to the snow-covered border.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/darkstar-ninebark\"\u003eDarkstar Ninebark\u003c\/a\u003e — burgundy-black foliage for the classic dark-gold ninebark contrast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/diabolo-ninebark\"\u003eDiabolo Ninebark\u003c\/a\u003e — a larger purple-leaved companion for the back of the border.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/summer-wine-ninebark\"\u003eSummer Wine Ninebark\u003c\/a\u003e — wine-red foliage at a matching mid-size scale.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/karl-foerster-feather-reed-grass\"\u003eKarl Foerster Feather Reed Grass\u003c\/a\u003e — vertical plumes that pick up the gold tones in late summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Dart's Gold Ninebark Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade for sunny Twin Cities borders, foundations, and pollinator gardens in clay or lean soil where you want native habitat value plus a jolt of gold color with minimal care. Not a fit for deep shade — the gold foliage turns ordinary lime-green without good sun — and in heavy deer neighborhoods plan on repellent the first year (it's only moderately resistant).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54161596449073,"sku":null,"price":20.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54161596481841,"sku":null,"price":30.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Darts_gold_ninebark_2_62d8fabc-b02a-4726-a245-f15910ada867.jpg?v=1778267345","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/darts-gold-ninebark","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}