Firefly Bush Honeysuckle
Firefly Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia 'Firefly')
Firefly Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia 'Firefly') is a colorful, compact native shrub prized for its glowing foliage and strong performance in tough garden conditions. With vibrant seasonal color shifts and pollinator-friendly flowers, this variety delivers bold visual interest and ecological value to sun and shade gardens alike.
Distinctive Features
'Firefly' is known for its rich copper-red new growth that matures to chartreuse green, creating a two-toned effect through spring and summer. Bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in early to midsummer and are followed by warm red and burgundy foliage in fall. Its upright, mounding habit and multi-season appeal make it a standout in native landscapes and modern designs.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils; prefers well-drained conditions
- Water: Average; drought tolerant once established
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�7
Ideal Uses
- Focal Point: Vibrant foliage and blooms add bold color and contrast
- Mass Planting: Excellent as a low-maintenance groundcover or slope stabilizer
- Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies with summer flowers
- Woodland Edges: Thrives in filtered light and naturalized settings
- Urban Gardens: Handles heat, dry soil, and tough conditions with ease
Low Maintenance Care
- Watering: Water regularly during establishment; little supplemental water needed after
- Pruning: Prune in early spring to shape and renew growth
- Fertilizing: Rarely needed; feed lightly in early spring if desired
- Mulching: Apply mulch annually to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Protection: Deer and pest resistant; excellent durability in harsh environments
Why Choose Firefly Bush Honeysuckle?
- Color-Changing Foliage: Brilliant copper, green, and red hues through the seasons
- Compact Size: Fits easily in mixed borders and smaller landscapes
- Pollinator Magnet: Summer flowers provide nectar for beneficial insects
- Low Maintenance: Thrives in challenging sites with minimal input
- Focal Point: Eye-catching foliage and form make it a striking seasonal highlight
Diervilla sessilifolia 'Firefly' is a vibrant, tough native shrub that brings long-lasting color and ecological value to any landscape, from urban gardens to woodland edges.

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