Diervilla Nightglow™ Bush Honeysuckle

Bloomin' Easy® variety, Nightglow® is an award-winning compact deciduous shrub with a lovely fountaining form. The 2- to 3-foot-tall and wide shrub fits almost anywhere. Freely branching, it flaunts rich red foliage from first flush to frost, deepening in color as the growing season fades. And just as fireflies flutter about in the evening air, terminal clusters of vibrant yellow flowers hover above dusky dark foliage in late spring. The flowers attract pollinators, including the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that bring our gardens to life; and the foliage makes a stunning filler in floral arrangements. With its bright red-purple fall foliage, Diervilla is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning bush (Euonymus alatus), which is invasive and being restricted throughout the U.S.

A Diervilla splendens, commonly called diervilla or bush honeysuckle (a misnomer), Nightglow has a compact, mounding to upright habit and a moderate growth rate. This suckering shrub spreads via shoots or suckers but is not invasive. This characteristic makes it ideal for naturalized areas, especially useful for erosion control. The spread can be contained by pulling unwanted shoots or by growing it in a pretty patio pot—it's an excellent "thriller" in a container garden. Nightglow creates a stunning small hedge or shrub border, and it is a perfect addition to a wildlife garden.

Cold hardy to Zone 3 (-40°F / -40°C), Nightglow is easy to grow, growing best in locations with 6 or more hours of full sun each day. It prefers moist, well-draining soil, but it tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay. It can handle dry soil, but for optimal growth, water weekly or more often if it's hot, dry, or windy. Diervilla is one of the most shade tolerant shrubs; however, the best color and blooming occur with plenty of sun, and in northern climates it should be planted in full sun. It is deer resistant, heat tolerant, and generally unbothered by pests. The shrub blooms on new wood, so any desired pruning should be done in early spring after the last frost date in your area, which is also the best time to start feeding your plant with an all-purpose natural fertilizer and continue through the growing season, stopping as the growing season comes to an end.

A native plant, diervilla is indigenous to North America. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.