About
Diervilla sessilifolia, the southern bush honeysuckle, is a thicket-forming, suckering shrub spreading by suckers and producing oval, lime-green leaves to 18 cm long that are bronze-tinged when young. Clusters of sulphur-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers with protruding stamens are produced throughout summer. A reliable and ornamental shrub for a sunny or partly shaded position.
About the genus
Diervilla are suckering, deciduous shrubs with simple, ovate to lance-shaped leaves and axillary or terminal clusters of tubular, yellow flowers in summer. Ornamental and undemanding garden shrubs for sunny or partly shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered situation with full sun
PruningTidy any winter-damaged foliage by cutting to the base in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. They may resent disturbance so leave until really congested before division of clumps in spring. Do not allow the corms to dry out. They may take 1-2 years to flower freely again
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free