Plant of the Week: KODIAK SPICED™ Diervilla

Kodiak Spiced in the landscape.

Spice Up Your Landscape

Whenever we add to a series, we want to make it better in some way. For our native Kodiak series of diervilla, we have been striving for bolder colors that last for the entire season. In doing so, we have introduced some fantastic new varieties, including the dynamic Kodiak Spiced™ diervilla (Diervilla x).

Kodiak Spiced diervilla creates a cozy atmosphere in the landscape with a color story reminiscent of warm spices. It features an inviting blend of deep orange and copper hues, beautifully complemented by burgundy stems and mature green leaves. In summer, charming yellow flowers appear, drawing a mix of excited pollinators to the plant. 

Kodiak Spiced diervilla is suited to USDA zones 3 – 8. It is a low-maintenance shrub that grows well in full to part sun and most soil types as long as they don’t stay wet. Once established, it has impressive drought tolerance. At a height and width of 3 – 4′, it makes a great low hedge or filler for the middle of a border. Its handsome foliage is also an excellent addition to a flower arrangement, bringing a touch of warmth inside. 

Is Diervilla Invasive?

No, Diervilla is not considered an invasive plant. It can, however, be confused with one.

As some of you may know, Diervilla is commonly referred to as “bush honeysuckle,” a name also used for certain true honeysuckles (L. tatarica, L. maackii, and L. morrowii) that are invasive. This overlap can lead to an unfortunate case of mistaken identity. But, unlike those plants, Diervilla is native to North America and doesn’t spread aggressively by seed, making it a safe choice for your garden.

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