Bush Honeysuckle True

About this plant

Ignite your landscape with the blazing beauty of Kodiak Red® Diervilla, a superior, non-invasive alternative to traditional bush honeysuckle. This exceptional Proven Winners® selection boasts new growth that emerges with a striking reddish-orange hue, maturing to a rich, deep red that intensifies as the seasons progress. In summer, a profusion of bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers emerges, creating a dynamic contrast against the fiery foliage. Beyond its captivating aesthetics, Kodiak Red® is incredibly adaptable and low-maintenance, thriving in a wide range of conditions. Its natural, mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, or as a vibrant accent in mixed beds. Disease-resistant and remarkably hardy, this diervilla will provide long-lasting color and charm to your garden. As a true beacon for local ecosystems, Kodiak Red® serves as a vital nectar source for hummingbirds and various pollinating insects, making it a garden essential for both beauty and biodiversity.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Generally low maintenance. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove any dead or weak wood. Can be cut back almost to the ground every few years to rejuvenate. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.