I have 3 of the Kodiak blacks, planted in 2021 in part sun. They are still small because the bunnies chew them to the ground over the winter. They must be pretty tasty! I put some fencing around each one this spring, so I’m hoping to see some extended growth and flowering this season.
Kodiak® Black Diervilla rivularis
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- Fall
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Details
Features
Looking for an adaptable native plant that's drought-tolerant, deer-resistant and colorful? This is it!
Diervilla just got a lot more colorful: this tough, easy-growing shrub is a standout with its dark burgundy-black foliage. The color is especially intense in spring and autumn. The bright yellow flowers add contrast in early summer. This is a durable native that thrives in sun or shade, and is a very useful landscape plant.
Top three reasons to grow Kodiak® Black Diervilla:
- One of the best shade-tolerant shrubs (though color is more intense in sun or part shade)
- Never without clusters of yellow flowers during the summer
- Dramatic black-purple foliage all season with vivid red tones in autumn
Foliage InterestFall InterestDrought TolerantErosion ControlAttracts:BeesButterfliesHummingbirdsResists:DeerNative to North AmericaCharacteristics
Plant Type:ShrubShrub Type:DeciduousHeight Category:MediumGarden Height:36 - 48 InchesSpacing:48 - 60 InchesSpread:36 - 48 InchesFlower Colors:YellowFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Colors:PurpleFoliage Shade:Burgundy-blackHabit:MoundedContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Full ShadeLight Requirement:Part Shade to ShadeLight Requirement:Part Sun to SunLight Requirement:SunLight Requirement:Sun or ShadeThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBlooms On:New WoodBloom Time:SummerHardiness Zones:4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7bWater Category:AverageUses:Border PlantUses:LandscapeUses:Mass PlantingUses Notes:Naturalizing; mass plantings
Maintenance Notes:Adaptable to most soils, including dry ones. Trim in spring and apply a controlled-release fertilizer.
Fun Facts:Though it is sometimes called "bush honeysuckle," Diervilla is not invasive.
Kodiak® Black Diervilla rivularis 'SMNDRSF' USPP 27,550, Can 5,938 -
6 Reviews
53423211Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Suze, Illinois, United States, 1 year ago
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I have 3 of the Kodiak blacks, planted in 2021 in part sun. They are still small because the bunnies chew them to the ground over the winter. They must be pretty tasty! I put some fencing around each one this spring, so I’m hoping to see some extended growth and flowering this season.
Suze, Illinois, United States, 1 year ago -
Love this shrub. Was planted last year at the end of the season and is going gangbusters this year. Covered with yellow flowers that pollinators love. I can't say enough positive things about this shrub. Highly recommend. Mine is planted in full sun but thinking of getting more to try in shade.
Tony, 2 years ago -
This is a beautiful plant. It is so healthy and lovely. It has grown effortlessly on its own (with amended soil, probably some bone meal) but in a very windy area near the sea. It is absolutely colorful and rich. So happy with it so far. Planted in 2020 and we're now June 2021. It's my covid baby! I just planted At Last Roses x 3, Peonies, Canna, Burning Bush, Honeysuckle Hedge, Wine and Roses Weigelia, and some others that I can't remember at the moment. Hoping for the best showing this season but I know another yeAR WILL make all the difference. Love the dirt and the plants!
Glenda Michaud, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2 years ago -
This is grown so well in my hot, dry, clay soil with little care. The foliage and flowers look pretty
Jennifer Winship, British Columbia, Canada, 5 years ago
2 More colors
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