Thanks for getting back.Actually,I wasn't trying to make them smaller,since height isn't an issue-I just wanted them fuller.I'm starting to see some new growth on the bottom-but,I think you're right-I shouldn't have cut them that low,but should have taken out some more of the older growth.Also,its been like a desert around here this spring and I know that they like it when its wet.These are pretty vigorous plants,though,so I think they'll do fine-it may take some time,though,I guess.

To give you an idea of what bboy means... a little Googling Cultivars/Varieties of Ninebark var. intermedius - This form grows smaller and more densely to 4' tall. Its smaller, dark green leaves add to its appeal as a subject for difficult planting sites. 'Nanus' is similar, but even smaller -- to 2' tall and wider. 'Dart's Gold' - A more dwarf yellow-foliage form, this plant grows to 5' tall and wide with bright leaf color. The strong shading fades to green by summer in warm areas. 'Nugget' is a new selection that is similar, but perhaps superior due to its more dense habit to 6' tall and wide. 'Monlo' (Diabolo®, also listed as Diablo®) It is similar to the species, except the leaves emerge deep purple. The effect is striking in spring and all season in cool summer areas, but the strong shading fades to green or purple-green in hot, humid climates. It may be pruned harshly each spring to promote vigorous shoots with large, highly-colored leaves. Height 5-8', spread 6-10'. 'Copperina': Height 6-8'; Spread 4-6' 'Snowfall' - This is a green-leaved form with a more dense habit to 7' tall and wider. It reportedly bears more showy flowers and more handsome foliage traits. Use the plant's spread as your spacing guide if you want them to grow into eachother over a period of time. If you want them dense somewhat sooner, plant them closer together. Like everything else, how much they like their growing conditions will determine the ultimate size; but usually larger than the labeling indicates. Routine maintenance pruning - if you prune, will make a difference also.

Pruning before June (when they flower) will remove those flower buds so any pruning done now until such a time they flower surely won't hurt the shrub(s) but as I say, no flower show next year. In essence, you want to prune any flowering shrub only after it flowers (you have up to one month after it flowers to do the pruning without 'damaging' any future flowers/flower buds). In your case with the Ninebark, pruned it back hard (experience will tell you each year just how much 'hard-pruning' is necessary for you to be satisfied with it's height and width for each upcoming flowering year. Dax

Your coppertina ninebark is deciduous and will drop its leaves......these shrubs are very tough and no protection is required..... You'll love this shrub when it flowers......stunning plant....