shrubN. America Native

Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle

Name: Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle
Brand: Diervilla
Availability: InStock

Diervilla 'Kodiak Jet Black'

$24.99

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

North America (Hybrid)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Diervilla, or bush honeysuckle, is a genus of tough, adaptable, suckering deciduous shrubs native to North America. They are valued for their hardiness and pollinator-friendly flowers. Kodiak Jet Black stands out for its intensely dark, near-black foliage that holds its color through the summer, especially in full sun. This dark foliage creates a dramatic contrast with its bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary value is the striking, season-long dark foliage that provides a powerful color contrast in the garden. The bright yellow flowers are a cheerful bonus, attracting pollinators and adding to its multi-season appeal.

This is an exceptionally tough and adaptable shrub, perfect for challenging sites. It tolerates drought, clay soil, and shade, and its suckering habit makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on banks and slopes.

As a North American native cultivar, it supports local ecosystems. The trumpet-shaped flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is not invasive like some non-native honeysuckles.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Great Garden Plants

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal PotTrays

In Stock$24.99

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to part shade; sun brings out the best color.
This plant is not picky about soil, so no amendments are needed.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
Remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
Fill the hole with soil, ensuring the plant is at the same depth as in the pot.
Water well after planting to settle the soil.

Pro Tip

For the darkest, most dramatic foliage color, plant this shrub in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

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.

Don't

Don't plant in constantly wet or boggy soil.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which is unnecessary and can lead to weak growth.
Don't worry about deer or rabbits; they tend to leave it alone.
Do not confuse with invasive Lonicera (honeysuckle) species; Diervilla is native.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic foliage contrast in mixed bordersTough, low-maintenance mass plantingExcellent for slope stabilization

Companion Plants

Spiraea 'Double Play Doozie' Caryopteris 'Beyond Midnight' Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle questions

What zones can Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle grow in?

Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle deer resistant?

Yes — Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle bloom?

Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle need full sun?

Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Kodiak Jet Black Bush Honeysuckle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.