Diervilla Kodiak Black

Kodiak Black Diervilla

Common Name: Honeysuckle Bush

Highly adaptable and super easy to grow, the Kodiak Black Diervilla is an attractive and non-invasive North American native shrub that wows with both colorful flowers and foliage. New leaves emerge green in the spring however quickly change to a burgundy-red that intensifies in color becoming burgundy-black in fall, hence the name. In late spring to early summer it produces clusters of bright yellow flowers at the ends of the stems that the butterflies, hummingbirds and beneficial pollinators will appreciate. Highly versatile, it thrives in sun or shade and moist or even dry soils when established. Forming a well-behaved mound of foliage full to the ground to around 3 to 4 feet tall and equally as wide, it makes for a colorful accent in small garden spaces or container gardens or in groupings or as a low hedge where space allows. You might be happy to know the deer turn their nose up to it!

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 3 to 4 feet tall and equally as wide, Kodiak Black Diervilla is ideal for use as an accent in smaller garden spaces and home foundation plants or in groupings or as a colorful low hedge in larger spaces. Also nice in container gardens. A fine addition to butterfly and hummingbird gardens, beneficial pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, red or black theme gardens, native plant gardens, shade gardens and the Xeriscape (low water needs)

Suggested Spacing: 3 to 3.5 feet apart for solid groupings or hedges; 6 feet apart for space between plants

Growing Preferences

Kodiak Diervilla is very adaptable easy to grow and virtually maintenance free when planted right and in the right spot. It prefers a moist but well-drained soil of average to high fertility and full sun or shade. Drought tolerant when established. We give the plant a good pruning in early spring to a low mound. We've seen no serious insect or diseases problems.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 4a-7b 

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub

Height at Maturity: 3-4'

Width at Maturity: 3-4'

Spacing: 3' for hedge, 6' or more for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Mounding, Rounded

Growth Rate: Medium

Flower Color:  Bright Yellow

Flower Size: Small, in clusters

Flowering Period: Late Spring to Early Summer

Flower Type: Single, trumpet-shaped in clusters

Fragrant Flowers:  No

Foliage Color: Burgundy Black

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries:  NA

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Shade

Water Needs:  Average, low when established

Soil Type:  Clay (well draining), Loam, Sandy, Silt 

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained to Dry When Established

Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.0 

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Butterflies, Beneficial Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Visual Attention

Resistances: Cold Tolerant (-30F), Deer, Disease, Drought (when established), Insect