Also known as Bush Honeysuckle · 292 gardener saves
Diervilla: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Diervilla, the genus most gardeners know as bush honeysuckle. We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Diervilla varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedKodiak Orange Diervilla
Diervilla lonicera 'Kodiak Orange'
#2 most savedHoneybee Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla lonicera 'Honeybee'
#3 most savedBush Honeysuckle
Diervilla 'Kodiak Fresh'
Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla 'Kodiak Jet Black'
Firefly Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla sessilifolia 'Firefly'
Kodiak Red Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla 'Kodiak Red'
Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla splendens 'El Madrigal'
How to grow Diervilla
What the Diervilla varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Diervilla year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Prune back by about one-third in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth.
- MulchApril86% of varieties
A light layer of mulch can help conserve moisture, but it's very drought tolerant.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October71% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in any average soil.
Do
- Plant in full sun for the darkest foliage.
- Prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Water occasionally during extreme drought, but it is very resilient.
- Use in mass plantings for a dramatic, low-maintenance groundcover effect.
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Don't worry about deer or rabbits; they tend to leave it alone.
- Do not plant in waterlogged or constantly wet soil.
- Don't plant in constantly wet or boggy soil.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which is unnecessary and can lead to weak growth.
What goes wrong with Diervilla
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on new growth tips. | Usually not a serious problem. A strong spray of water can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap for heavier infestations. |
| Scale insects | Small bumps on stems and leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Leaf Spot | Occasional spots on leaves, especially in very wet weather. | Generally not a concern. Ensure good air circulation. Remove heavily affected leaves if desired. |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions with poor air flow. | Rarely needs treatment. Ensure good spacing for air circulation. Apply horticultural oil or a fungicide as a preventative. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Increase air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
Making more Diervilla
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings of new growth in early summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert into a moist, well-drained potting mix.
- Keep in a humid environment; roots should form in 4-6 weeks.
Division
- Dig up mature shrub in early spring.
- Separate root clumps with a sharp knife.
- Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil.
Diervilla questions
How many types of Diervilla are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Diervilla varieties. The most popular — ranked by 292 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Diervilla grow in?
Across its varieties, Diervilla covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Diervilla bloom?
Most Diervilla varieties bloom in mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Diervilla should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Diervilla shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Diervilla in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
