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Public Plant Profile

Kodiak® Black Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla rivularis 'SMNDRSF' ('Kodiak® Black)

Category: Deciduous Shrub • Honeysuckle

Kodiak® Black Bush Honeysuckle offers dark foliage and is perfect for foundation and mass plantings.

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Mature Height: 3-4 feet

Mature Width: 3-4 feet

Bloom Color: Yellow

Bloom Time: Summer

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 4-8

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Kodiak® Black Bush Honeysuckle is a compact, deciduous shrub known for its striking dark foliage and attractive yellow flowers. It is ideal for borders and mass plantings.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture.

Soil Preferences

Adaptable to various soil types, prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, and requires good drainage.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Watering Needs

Water regularly until established; once mature, it is drought-tolerant.

Pruning Notes

Light pruning can be done in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead wood.

Fertilizing Notes

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Common Issues

Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally face issues with aphids or powdery mildew.

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

foundation plantingmass plantingaccent

Special Features

Attractive dark foliagedrought tolerantsupports pollinators

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant

Notes from Our Designer

Great for adding contrast in gardens. Works well in mixed borders and naturalized areas.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Kodiak® Black Bush Honeysuckle may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kodiak® Black Bush Honeysuckle a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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