September Shrub of the Month-Diervilla

There’s a new kid in town that could beat out burning bush (October ANTI-Shrub of the Month-Burning bush) for spectacular fall color. This kid comes in a compact size and is as low-maintenance as you can get.

Diervilla lonicera is native to Eastern North America and is found from Newfoundland to North Carolina and as far west as Iowa. Preferring cooler climates, St. Louis is about the southern edge of its happiness range. Sometimes called bush honeysuckle, this name is confusing since one of our worst invasive species is also known by the same name. Another example of why we should use botanical names, not common names.

In its native habitat, Diervilla prefers dry, rocky conditions where it can form a colony, in full to part-shade. This makes it great for stabilizing slopes or other erosion-prone areas. Growing only 2-4′ high also makes Diervilla a great candidate for smaller landscapes where low maintenance and fall color are priorities.

Small, yellow, tubular, honeysuckle-like flowers from May-July give way to woody seed capsules. With no significant pest or disease issues and drought resistance, it almost sounds like a “perfect” shrub.

There are quite a few cultivars available on the market these days, most of which focus on fall color. KODIAK ORANGE, NIGHTGLOW, COOL SPLASH, and Mountaineer CALICO RED (top photo) are from different species or hybrids, but all have similar cultural requirements.

What I love about this plant;

-It’s native!

-Lots of nativars and hybrids to pick from.

-Stunning fall color.

-Great substitute for burning bush!

-Few pests or diseases.

-Low maintenance.

-Great for erosion control.

-Compact size.

-Deer and drought resistant.

What’s not so great;

-Will form a colony which, in the right place, is a pro, not a con. Place it accordingly to keep it a low-maintenance plant.

-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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