Diervilla lonicera (Northern Bush Honeysuckle)

Plant Profile

Diervilla lonicera, known as Northern Bush Honeysuckle or Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle, is a small, suckering, deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It has opposite, ovate, green leaves that turn yellow to red in fall. In early summer, it produces small, tubular, pale yellow to orange flowers that attract pollinators. Tough, adaptable, and great for difficult sites.

Key Characteristics

• Family: Caprifoliaceae (cap-ree-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)
• Genus: Diervilla (dy-er-VIL-uh)
• Species: lonicera (luh-NIS-er-a)
• Synonyms: Diervilla diervilla, D. lonicera var. hypomalaca, D. trifida

Growing Conditions

Full sun to shade, adaptable to many soils including dry, rocky, clay. Hardy in USDA zones 3–7. Very tough.

Landscape Uses

Mass planting, erosion control, naturalizing, dry shade, slopes. Low maintenance.

Maintenance

Prune to ground in late winter to rejuvenate. Remove suckers to control spread.