Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla 'Kodiak Fresh'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
10-15 years
Native To
North America (species)
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Diervilla, or bush honeysuckle, is a genus of tough, adaptable, suckering shrubs native to North America. They are valued for their hardiness, ability to grow in difficult sites, and support for pollinators. Kodiak Fresh ('G2X88544') stands out with its vibrant lime-green new growth that holds its color well through summer. In fall, the foliage takes on brilliant orange and red tones, providing a long season of color on a durable, low-maintenance plant.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location from full sun to full shade.
- Dig a hole that is twice the width of the container.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained, as it dislikes wet feet.
- Place the plant in the hole, with the crown level with the soil.
- Backfill with native soil and water well to remove air pockets.
- Mulch around the base to conserve water and reduce weeds.
Pro Tip
For the most vibrant foliage color, provide at least four hours of direct sun; in deep shade, the leaves will be a darker green.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
- Prune in early spring to maintain size and shape if desired.
- Allow it to colonize an area for erosion control on slopes.
- Plant in poor, dry soil where other shrubs might fail.
Don't
- Do not plant in waterlogged or constantly wet soil.
- Avoid heavy fertilization; this plant thrives in lean soils.
- Don't confuse it with invasive Lonicera (honeysuckle) species.
- Don't hesitate to cut it back hard if it becomes overgrown.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
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 4–7. 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.
More Diervilla to compare
Kodiak Orange Diervilla
Diervilla lonicera 'Kodiak Orange'
Honeybee Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla lonicera 'Honeybee'
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'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Bush Honeysuckle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
