Northern Bush Honeysuckle
Best native plant for gardeners seeking robust, healthy specimens.
Northern Bush Honeysuckle (_Diervilla lonicera_) is a resilient, compact deciduous shrub that thrives in challenging conditions like wind and dryness. Reaching 3-4 feet in height, it often forms dense thickets. Its dark green leaves transform into a striking deep red in the autumn. During the summer, it produces abundant trumpet-shaped yellow flowers that are a valuable food source for native pollinators, including the Laurel Sphinx Moth and Snowberry Clearwing.
$29.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1914
/ 3331
#1914 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-24%
Below average
Mature Height
24
/ to feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners committed to supporting local wildlife and ecological health
- Busy homeowners seeking durable, easy-to-grow plants for their landscape
- Homeowners desiring continuous visual interest and seasonal changes in their garden
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited space or those preferring contained, non-spreading plants
- New gardeners unfamiliar with native plant distinctions or concerned about invasives
- Gardeners prioritizing large, flashy blooms or a highly manicured aesthetic
Performance breakdown
Environmental Resilience
Handles wind and drought with remarkable ease in challenging landscapes.
Pollinator Impact
Essential nectar source for specialized native moths and beneficial insects.
Seasonal Visual Interest
Transitions from vibrant summer blooms to a dramatic deep red autumn.
Landscape Versatility
Compact footprint fits perfectly into small gardens or dense border plantings.
Maintenance Requirements
Low-effort shrub that thrives in average soil with minimal intervention.
Adaptability
Flexible light requirements allow for success in both sun and shade.
Key Specs
Mature Height
2 to 4 feet
Container Size
1 Gallon, 3 Gallon
Bloom Time
June, July
Bloom Color
Yellow
Soil Moisture
Dry, Medium
Soil Type
Average, well-drained
Hardiness Zone
3-7
Light Requirements
Full sun to shade
Features
- Thrives in windy and dry areas
- Attracts native pollinators and host for moths
- Striking deep red fall foliage
- Compact size suitable for various landscapes
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Northern Bush Honeysuckle plants received from Direct Native Plants. Many reviewers highlight the robust health and vigorous growth of the plants upon arrival, often noting their careful packaging. The plants establish well and thrive, exceeding expectations for native species. There is also strong appreciation for the perceived value, with customers feeling the price is fair for the size and vitality of the specimens. This combination of healthy plants and good value contributes to high satisfaction among gardeners seeking reliable native options.
Know before you buy
Since Northern Bush Honeysuckle naturally forms dense thickets, spacing them about 3 feet apart is ideal for a continuous hedge effect. If you prefer individual specimens, you can space them 4 feet apart to allow for full air circulation.
Yes, this plant is highly adaptable and performs well in conditions ranging from full sun to deep shade. While it may produce more flowers in sunnier spots, it remains a reliable, hardy choice for darker areas of the landscape.
Once its root system is fully established, it is quite resilient to dry conditions. However, you should provide regular water during the first growing season to help it settle into its new environment.
It is naturally compact and generally does not require heavy pruning. If you want to encourage a denser habit or remove dead wood, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
The yellow trumpet-shaped flowers are a magnet for native pollinators, specifically serving as a host plant for the Laurel Sphinx Moth and the Snowberry Clearwing. You can also expect visits from various native bees and butterflies throughout the summer.
As a deciduous shrub, it will lose its leaves in the winter. Before they drop, you will enjoy a vibrant display of deep red foliage in the autumn, providing a final burst of color before the plant goes dormant.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$30