Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle
diervilla lonicera
Also known as: ["Bush Honeysuckle","Northern Bush Honeysuckle"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to North America, valued for its bright yellow flowers and adaptability to various soil conditions.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Diervilla |
| Botanical Name: | Diervilla lonicera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or naturalized areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light daily.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate plants for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; adjust based on weather and soil conditions.
Soil
well-drained, loamy or sandy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates temperatures from -30°F to 90°F; prefers cooler climates.
Protect from frost; avoid heat stress with shade; adjust care seasonally.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth; water after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings in summer are most successful.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for stem cuttings; early spring for division.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading back to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; inspect roots; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is moistened. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in fall and winter. Increase watering during prolonged droughts.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch annually.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows; potential for frost damage in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; move potted plants to sheltered areas.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, or flower bud abortion; reduced vigor in high heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water thoroughly after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce or stop in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDiervilla lonicera is not toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicDiervilla lonicera is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicDiervilla lonicera, commonly known as Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Diervilla lonicera attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is this plant drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, it is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Is Diervilla lonicera toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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