Kodiak Orange Bush Honeysuckle

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

Kodiak Orange Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla rivularis 'Kodiak Orange') is a hardy, deciduous shrub celebrated for its vibrant orange-tinged foliage and sunny yellow summer blooms. Native to North America and unfazed by tough conditions, this colorful selection offers year-round interest and thrives in a wide range of garden settings.

Distinctive Features

'Kodiak Orange' is known for its luminous green foliage brushed with orange tones, which intensify through summer and culminate in brilliant orange-red hues in fall. Small, bright yellow flowers emerge in early to midsummer, drawing in pollinators and adding contrast to the foliage. Its dense, mounding habit remains tidy without constant pruning, making it ideal for naturalistic or structured plantings.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Tolerates a range of soils; prefers well-drained conditions
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Fiery foliage color and compact shape command attention
• Pollinator Gardens: Yellow flowers support native bees and butterflies
• Mass Planting: Bold color and form create cohesion in groupings
• Naturalizing: Works well in woodland edges or meadow-inspired designs
• Slopes and Banks: Excellent erosion control and soil-holding ability

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly while establishing; drought tolerant afterward
• Pruning: Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth and shape
• Fertilizing: Fertilizer typically not needed; use balanced formula in spring if desired
• Mulching: Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Protection: Deer resistant and tolerant of urban conditions and poor soils

Why Choose Kodiak Orange Bush Honeysuckle?

• Brilliant Foliage: Orange-tinged leaves offer evolving color through the seasons
• Seasonal Interest: Bright summer blooms and vivid fall tones
• Low Maintenance: Tough, adaptable, and tidy without constant care
• Wildlife Friendly: Attracts pollinators and supports native ecosystems
• Focal Point: Colorful accent that enhances both natural and designed landscapes

Diervilla rivularis 'Kodiak Orange' brings vivid color, native resilience, and pollinator value to the forefront, making it an excellent focal point or companion plant in eco-conscious, low-maintenance gardens.