Diervilla rivularis Kodiak® Black (Mountain Bush Honeysuckle) Unity Grown

Kodiak® Black is a striking black-purple cultivar of Diervilla rivularis, also called mountain bush honeysuckle, a dense, spreading shrub native to several states in the mid southeast. The Kodiak® Black cultivar is especially noted for its gorgeous dark purple, almost oily black foliage, which is especially showy in spring and fall. In mid-summer, Diervilla rivularis Kodiak® Black produces profuse, bright yellow, honeysuckle-like flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, contrasting beautiful with the plants' dark foliage. In the fall, flowers turn to small fruits that attract a number of songbird species.

Diervilla rivularis is a highly adaptable shrub for any small garden space or rock garden; growing to a medium size 3-4' tall and about as wide, Kodiak® Black tolerates poor and rocky soils, as well as drought, and is resistant to deer damage and soil erosion. Though this bush honeysuckle requires medium-dry, well-drained soils, it is not at all picky about light level or soil consistency, and grows great anywhere from full shade to full sun. Note: Although Diervilla rivularis is referred to as bush honeysuckle, it is a North American native species, and shouldn't be confused with Japanese bush honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, which is considered invasive in many parts of the US.