Professional Growing Information This is a beautiful and hearty bush. We have one on each side of our garage entrance. One spot is completely sunny and the other is mostly shady. The bushes are thriving in both locations. The reason I gave it 3 stars is because the foliage isn't "black" as it's name implies. Instead, the new growth is reddish but quickly turns to green. Considering we purchased these for their dark color, this is really disappointing. If there is anything I could feed them to produce the dark color, I would love to hear about it!
Kodiak® Black Diervilla rivularis
Flower Season
- Summer
- Fall
Mature Size
Height: 3' - 4'
Spread: 3' - 4'
Height: 91cm - 1.2m
Spread: 91cm - 1.2m
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Details
36 - 48 Inches48 - 60 Inches36 - 48 Inches91cm - 1.2m1.2m - 1.5m91cm - 1.2mFeatures
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 Inches 91cm - 1.2mSpacing:48 - 60 Inches 1.2m - 1.5mSpread:36 - 48 Inches 91cm - 1.2mFlower Colors:YellowFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Colors:PurpleFoliage Shade:Burgundy-blackHabit:SpreadingContainer 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. They work well for naturalizing an area as they spread a little bit by suckering.
Kodiak® Black Diervilla rivularis 'SMNDRSF' USPP 27,550, Can 5,938 -
7 Reviews
534231211Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Janet Tonelli, Ohio, United States, 29 weeks 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, 2 years ago -
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, 2 years 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, 3 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, 3 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, 6 years ago
3 More colors
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