Diervilla lonicera (Northern Bush Honeysuckle) is a small, densely branched, deciduous shrub forming a colorful mound of lance-shaped, pointed, shimmering shiny leaves, 2-5 in. long (5-12 cm). Emerging coppery green and bronze, the new leaves change to a deep green as the season progresses before turning nice shades of yellow, orange, or even red in the fall. In early to late summer, a profusion of yellow to orange tubular flowers resembling the flowers of honeysuckle (Lonicera), appear in the lower leaf axils and at the branch tips. Borne in pairs and trios over an extended period, the subtle blossoms are magnets for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. They eventually give way to dry woody dehiscent capsules. Native to Eastern America, Diervilla lonicera thrives in a wide range of soil and light conditions, from dry to seasonally flooded, sun to shade. It suckers freely, forming broad thickets over time that provide shelter for ground-nesting birds. Its drought tolerance, resilient root system, and ability to re-sprout make Diervilla lonicera a primary candidate for erosion control. It is essential in hedgerow plantings and could be left to naturalize in woodland gardens.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). Freely suckers to form colonies.
• This plant is best grown in full sun to partial shade in average, acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant to a wide variety of soil types including sand if the water table is fairly high. Drought tolerant once established.
• Excellent choice for banks and slopes, shrub borders, low hedges, hummingbird gardens, butterfly gardens, or woodland gardens. Its suckering habit makes it a useful ground cover.
• Low maintenance, this plant is generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for leaf spot and powdery mildew.
• Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
• Propagate by seed or cuttings. Both softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings root readily.
• Native to Eastern North America.