Diervilla lonicera aka Northern Bush Honeysuckle
Taxonomy
Diervilla lonicera, also known as northern bush honeysuckle, low bush honeysuckle, dwarf bush honeysuckle, or yellow-flowered upright honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub native to the northeastern United States and Canada. It is a small, suckering shrub that grows up to 1.2m tall. The glossy lance-shaped leaves are around 12cm long and emerge bronze-green in spring, transforming into shades of orange, yellow, and red in autumn. In summer, the shrub produces small, tubular, yellow to orange flowers that resemble honeysuckle blooms. It attracts bumblebees and serves as an important source of nectar for them. This tough North American native is drought tolerant and adapts well to urban conditions. It spreads by its roots, making it a suitable choice for erosion control on slopes. Overall, Diervilla lonicera is a low-growing shrub with glossy bronze-green leaves and vibrant yellow flowers.
Common names
Northern Bush Honeysuckle, Bush HoneysuckleHow to care for Northern Bush Honeysuckle
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Northern Bush Honeysuckle is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Northern Bush Honeysuckle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Northern Bush Honeysuckle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Northern Bush Honeysuckle prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Northern Bush Honeysuckle has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Northern Bush Honeysuckle’s native range is Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Florida.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Diervilla Genus
