Ninebark is naturally an arching shrub, like a vase shape. I can't imagine getting a "tree form" out of it without a lot of frequent pruning to fight against the natural form.

It's the natural arching of the ninebark that makes it such an attractive shrub.

But here's a short article on "Diablo" pruned up.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tree form ninebark

They can be pruned into tree form and make an attractive multi-trunked tree (not sure that that standard in the previous link works as well). The multi-trunk form shows off the bark and maintains the natural arching of the branches, which as duluth notes is a major attraction. Here is an example - it does require maintenance pruning, but once you have the form set it is not that onerous. This one is 'Diablo'.

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Thanks for the information. I think I'll consider other options. The Diablo and Summer Wine that I saw were both on standard single trunks. Perhaps not the best format for Ninebarks.

I have a beautiful Diablo nine bark i trained into a

Note that for whatever reason the introducer Monrovia nursery spells it "Diabolo". The last example shown here may need a heavier stake until that wobbly looking thin stem thickens up.

Having seen the pics in this thread-of the more mature tree-trained versions-that's an interesting option. Sure shows off the exfoliating bark that way.

+om,

the one pictured directly above... the canopy was lifted too fast ... not giving the trunk time to thicken.. to support the growth above ...

i predict it will snap and fail next year.. after the canopy buds out .... unless it is properly staked

if you wish instruction on that.. start a new post ... instead of us talking in the 3 year old post ...

ken

I moved into a new home that has a beautiful sturdy one. My question is I would like to grow another. How do I do it? Do you let it grow from the bottom up or train a single shoot and trim the rest away. Anyway would love some direction if you could thank you Becky

I just pruned up an existing one. Maybe not the best way, but it worked!

Or go to the store and buy one already trained as a tree.

I worry about a single trunk holding up to ice and snow.