Kodiak Red Bush Honeysuckle

Kodiak Red Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla rivularis 'Kodiak Red')

Kodiak Red Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla rivularis 'Kodiak Red') is a resilient native shrub admired for its deep red new growth, yellow summer flowers, and rich burgundy fall color. This compact, adaptable plant delivers multi-season interest while thriving in both sun and shade, making it a standout choice for naturalized or formal landscapes.

Distinctive Features

'Kodiak Red' emerges in spring with wine-red foliage that deepens through the season, contrasting beautifully with clusters of soft yellow flowers in early to midsummer. As the weather cools, the foliage transforms into striking shades of burgundy and maroon, offering vivid autumn color. Its dense habit and manageable size make it ideal for massing or single-specimen planting.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Adaptable to most soil types; prefers well-drained conditions
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Bold red foliage and fall color provide standout visual impact
• Mass Planting: Creates vibrant, cohesive sweeps of color
• Pollinator Gardens: Summer flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects
• Foundation Planting: Compact habit works well along homes and buildings
• Woodland Edges: Natural form and color enhance shaded garden borders

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water consistently during establishment; low water needs once mature
• Pruning: Cut back in early spring to maintain shape and promote dense growth
• Fertilizing: Generally unnecessary; apply balanced fertilizer in spring if desired
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch annually to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Protection: Deer resistant and tolerant of urban pollution and tough sites

Why Choose Kodiak Red Bush Honeysuckle?

• Colorful Foliage: Red spring growth and rich burgundy fall tones
• Pollinator Friendly: Summer blooms provide valuable nectar sources
• Low Maintenance: Tough, adaptable, and naturally tidy
• Native Plant: Supports local ecosystems and biodiversity
• Focal Point: Eye-catching seasonal color and structure in any garden style

Diervilla rivularis 'Kodiak Red' delivers exceptional foliage color, seasonal blooms, and reliable performance, making it a dynamic focal point or companion plant in eco-friendly and low-maintenance landscapes.