Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Kodiak Spiced™ Diervilla (Diervilla rivularis) displays rich green leaves that turn shades of burgundy and orange in brighter light. It grows about 3 to 4 feet tall, providing a versatile size that suits most landscape designs. Small yellow flowers appear in summer, creating a subtle contrast against the darker foliage. Many gardeners pick this shrub over others for its reliable color changes and adaptability.
Its upright form adapts well to borders, mixed beds, or naturalized areas. Deer typically leave it alone, and it tolerates periods of dryness once established. Native to North America, this Diervilla also stands up to common diseases and pests. It works nicely for erosion control on slopes, as a hedge, or even as a container specimen.
Kodiak Spiced™ Diervilla Care
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Water consistently during the first year to help roots settle, then water sparingly as it matures. A balanced fertilizer applied in spring helps promote healthy growth and steady leaf coloration. The plant adapts to varied soil types, but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Deadheading spent blooms is optional, though it keeps the shrub neater. Light trimming after flowering can shape the plant, while more substantial pruning or thinning should be done in late winter. Pinching young shoots encourages a bushier form, and shearing maintains a uniform appearance if used as a hedge. Container-grown shrubs need attentive watering and, in colder zones, may be placed in a protected spot for winter.
Kodiak Spiced™ Diervilla Spacing
Space individual plants about 3 feet apart for borders or mass plantings, allowing them room to fill in naturally. Closer spacing of 2 feet creates a denser hedge if regular pruning is planned. For container use, select a pot at least 12 inches wide, with larger containers offering more consistent moisture and room for other companions.
Kodiak Spiced™ Diervilla Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 7 (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
- 3-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Spreading
- Water Needs
- Low
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Orange, 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
- , Orange, Red
- Foliage Description
- Yellow-green to reddish-orange
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Kodiak Spiced Diervilla
- Also Known As
- Bush Honeysuckle
- Botanical Name
- Diervilla 'SMNDSF'
- 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
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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!