Kodiak® Orange Diervilla Plant

Kodiak® Orange diervilla is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its vibrant foliage, hardiness, and eco-friendly characteristics. Growing to a height and spread of 3-4 feet, this plant fits well into various garden landscapes. The standout feature of Kodiak® Orange is its striking orange new growth, which matures to a rich green during the growing season and transforms into brilliant orange and red hues in the fall.

In early to mid-summer, it produces clusters of small, tubular yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The new growth emerges in a showy russet-orange in the spring and summer, and the late summer and fall bring a spectacular display when the entire shrub turns bright citrus orange. This easy-growing, vigorous North American native is unbothered by pests or diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to any garden.

Hardy in USDA zones 4-7, Kodiak® Orange thrives in full sun to partial shade, although the best foliage color is achieved with more sunlight. It is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, and prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate drought once established. Another eco-friendly alternative to burning bush, Kodiak® Orange pushes fall color to the limits with its transformation to fire embers orange.

Regular watering is essential during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, after which the plant becomes quite drought-tolerant. Minimal pruning is required, but if needed, it can be done in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood. Typically, Kodiak® Orange does not require much fertilization, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support healthy growth in poor soils.

Relatively pest and disease-resistant, this low-maintenance shrub is ideal for mixed borders, garden beds, and wildlife gardens, where it attracts pollinators and provides habitat for beneficial insects. Additionally, its spreading habit and root system make it suitable for erosion control on slopes and banks. Diervilla is one of the most adaptable landscape plants you can grow, found thriving in dry shade on the shores of Lake Superior to the red clay soils of Georgia. Sometimes known as bush honeysuckle, which is a misnomer, it is best referred to simply as diervilla. Developed by Garden Genetics, Kodiak Orange won the Boskoop Royal Horticultural Society Silver Medal, making it a testament to exceptional garden performance.