Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Kodiak Jet Black™ Diervilla (Diervilla rivularis) displays striking dark foliage that intensifies under bright sunlight. It showcases small yellow flowers in summer that pop against the richly colored leaves. This tidy shrub typically grows 3 to 4 feet tall, lending a dramatic accent to landscapes without overwhelming nearby plants. Many gardeners choose it for its unique color contrast and reliable, low-maintenance nature.
Its upright habit works well in borders, hedges, and even slope plantings. Deer seldom bother this native North American species, and it thrives in drier conditions once established. Kodiak Jet Black™ is pest resistant and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for mass plantings or container arrangements. Erosion control and natural screening are additional uses, especially where a bold foliage statement is desired.
Kodiak Jet Black™ Diervilla Care
Select a spot in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil enriched by compost. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish, then taper back once it adapts. A balanced fertilizer in early spring maintains healthy foliage and flower production. Slightly acidic to neutral pH suits this shrub best, and it adapts to many soil types.
Remove faded flower clusters if desired, although heavy deadheading is not necessary. Light trimming can shape the plant after flowering, and shearing or rejuvenating cuts may be done in late winter if branches appear overgrown. Trimming stray stems helps maintain an even, full form. Container-grown shrubs need consistent watering, especially in hot or windy conditions, and can be moved to a protected spot in colder climates.
Kodiak Jet Black™ Diervilla Spacing
Allow 3 to 4 feet between shrubs for borders or mass plantings, giving each plant sufficient room to mature. For hedges, a spacing of about 2 to 3 feet helps create a denser screen. A pot at least 12 to 16 inches wide accommodates a new plant, with larger containers offering more stable moisture levels. Size up the container every 1-2 years as the roots expand.
Kodiak Jet Black™ Diervilla Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Low
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Yellow
- Flower Description
- Yellow With Red Centers
- Bloom Time
- Early to Mid-Summer
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Black, Orange
- Foliage Description
- Dark burgundy to nearly black leaves
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Kodiak Jet Black Diervilla
- Also Known As
- KODIAK JET BLACK
- Botanical Name
- Diervilla rivularis 'SMNDSN'
- Brand
- Proven Winners
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!