Amber Jubilee Ninebark

Amber Jubilee Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Jefam')

Amber Jubilee Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Jefam') is a hardy deciduous shrub grown for its bold, color-shifting foliage and its durable, landscape-ready performance. New growth emerges in warm orange and amber tones, then blends into chartreuse to golden yellow with hints of lime, creating a multi-tone effect that keeps the plant looking lively from spring through fall. In late spring, clusters of small white to soft pink flowers add another layer of seasonal interest, followed by subtle seed heads that extend the display. With its upright, arching habit and high-impact foliage, Amber Jubilee Ninebark makes an excellent focal point in mixed borders, foundation beds, and mass plantings where you want bright color and strong structure.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the foliage color progression, which gives the shrub a warm, glowing look that changes with the season and with light levels. Leaves often show multiple tones at once, creating depth that reads well against darker evergreens and purple-leaved shrubs. Ninebark is also known for exfoliating bark on mature stems, adding texture and winter interest when leaves drop. This is a tough shrub that handles cold, heat, and a range of soils once established, making it a dependable choice for low-maintenance landscapes that still need standout color.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; strongest foliage color typically develops with more sun.
• Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types once established.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then as needed during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7.
• Habit: Upright to arching deciduous shrub with multi-stem form.
• Mature Size: About 5 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a bold foliage specimen where warm amber tones can stand out against greens and darker shrubs.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds color contrast and strong structure among evergreens and flowering shrubs.
• Foundation Planting: Provides season-long color and an upright form that looks finished through the growing season.
• Mass Planting: Plant in groups for a larger sweep of warm foliage color and a cohesive landscape look.
• Back-of-Perennial Beds: Offers a colorful shrub backdrop for coneflowers, salvias, and ornamental grasses.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water consistently the first growing season; after that, water during prolonged drought.
• Pruning: Prune after flowering or in late winter to shape; remove a few older stems at the base to refresh the plant.
• Color Management: Provide more sun for stronger foliage color and tighter growth.
• Fertilizing: Usually not needed; feed lightly in spring if growth is weak.
• Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch off the base of stems.
• Hardiness: Tough and adaptable once established, making it well-suited for low-maintenance landscapes.

Why Choose Amber Jubilee Ninebark?

• Multi-Tone Foliage: New growth brings orange and amber tones that blend into golden and chartreuse shades.
• Season-Long Color: Foliage stays showy from spring through fall, even outside flowering season.
• Durable Shrub Performance: Handles cold, heat, and a range of soils once established.
• Textural Interest: Exfoliating bark adds winter texture and extra landscape character.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Delivers warm, high-impact foliage color with a sturdy, landscape-ready habit.

If you want a tough shrub that delivers warm, changing foliage color and strong structure with minimal fuss, Amber Jubilee Ninebark adds focal point impact and season-long interest to sunny and partially shaded landscapes.