shrubN. America Native

Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla splendens 'El Madrigal'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

North America (Hybrid)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Diervilla, or bush honeysuckle, is a genus of tough, adaptable deciduous shrubs native to North America. They are valued for their non-invasive nature, summer flowers, and ability to thrive in difficult, dry shade sites. 'El Madrigal' (Firefly Nightglow) stands out with its deep burgundy-red new growth that holds its color through summer, providing a dramatic contrast to its bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. The foliage intensifies in fall.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Firefly Nightglow offers a season-long display of dramatic color. Its dark burgundy foliage creates a powerful backdrop for its own cheerful yellow flowers and makes neighboring plants pop. The compact, mounding habit is neat and tidy, fitting well into modern garden designs.

This is an incredibly tough and adaptable shrub, thriving in conditions from full sun to part shade and in various soil types, including dry clay. It is an excellent choice for difficult areas, mass plantings, and erosion control on banks and slopes.

As a North American native hybrid, it is a valuable ecological plant. The flowers provide an important nectar source for native bees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds. Unlike invasive honeysuckles, Diervilla is a responsible choice that supports local ecosystems.

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Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring or fall in a sunny to partly shaded location.
Tolerates a wide range of soils, but good drainage is beneficial.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and just as deep.
Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish.

Pro Tip

For the most intense foliage color, provide at least six hours of direct sun; color may be greener in shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good air circulation to prevent potential leaf diseases.
Water during extended periods of drought, though it is very tolerant.
Prune in late winter or early spring as it blooms on new wood.
Plant in masses for the best visual impact and for erosion control.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or constantly wet soil.
Avoid heavy fertilization; it thrives in average to poor soil.
Don't confuse it with invasive Asian honeysuckle shrubs (Lonicera spp.).
Avoid shearing into a formal shape; its natural form is best.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant mass planting for slopesColorful low hedge or borderPollinator-friendly accent in mixed beds

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' Spiraea tomentosa Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'October Skies'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bush Honeysuckle questions

What zones can Bush Honeysuckle grow in?

Bush Honeysuckle is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bush Honeysuckle deer resistant?

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

When does Bush Honeysuckle bloom?

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 Bush Honeysuckle need full sun?

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

Is Bush Honeysuckle drought tolerant?

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