Guelder rose and Ninebark are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, hedge, screening, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Viburnum opulus 3 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A fast-growing, large native shrub with lobed, maple-like leaves, flat white lacecap flowers in May and June, red autumn foliage and glossy red…
Physocarpus opulifolius 2.5 m × 2 m after 10 years
An undemanding, fast-growing deciduous shrub with arching branches, rounded clusters of white or pinkish flowers in May and June and reddish, inflated…
Guelder rose grows larger: 3 m × 2.5 m after ten years, against 2.5 m × 2 m for Ninebark.
Ninebark is hardier: down to -45 °C, against -40 °C for Guelder rose.
Ninebark tolerates drought better than Guelder rose.
Ninebark needs less water than Guelder rose.
Ninebark needs less care than Guelder rose.
|
Feature
|
Guelder rose
|
Ninebark
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2.5 m | 2.5 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–5 m × 2.5–4.5 m | 1.5–3 m × 1.2–3 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -45 °C (USDA 2, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | May–June, white | May–June, white, pink |
| Water need | High | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | High |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 200 cm | 150 cm |
| For children | Mildly toxic | no data |
| Typical price | approx. HUF 4,700 | approx. HUF 4,700 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
Besides the cookies the site needs to work, we would like to use analytics and advertising cookies (Google, Facebook), if you allow it. Details